 Chapter 22 The Night for Dreaming but the Mourn for Seeing and so Randalld found it, for with the cold, calm light of the morning he found himself facing his battle with small sense of victory in his blood. He knew he had to deal that morning with the crisis of his life. Upon the issue his whole future would turn, but his heart without haste or pause preserved its even beat. The hour of indecision had passed, he saw his way and he meant to walk it. What was beyond the turn was hid from his eyes, but with that he need not concern himself now. Meantime he would clear away some of this accumulated correspondence lying on his desk. In the midst of his work Harry came in and laid a bundle of bills before him. Here you are old chap, he said quietly, that's the last of it. Randalld counted the money. You are sure you can spare all this? There's no hurry, you know. No, said Harry, I can't spare it, but it's safer with you than with me, and besides it's yours, and I owe you more than money. He drew a deep breath to steady himself and then went on, and I want to say Randalld that I have bet my last stake. Randalld pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. Now that's the best thing I've heard for some time, he said, offering Harry his hand, and that's the last of that business. He sat down, drew in his chair, and turning over his papers with the nervousness that he rarely showed, he continued, and Harry, I want you to do something for me. Before you go home this afternoon, will you come in here? I may want to send a note to Mamie by you. But, began Harry, wait a moment, I want to prevent all possibility of mistake. There may be a reply, and Harry, old chap, I'd rather not answer any questions. Harry gazed at him a moment in perplexity. All right, Randalld, he said quietly, you can trust me, I haven't the ghost of an idea what's up, but I know your square. Thanks, old fellow, said Randalld, I will never give you reason to change your opinion. Now, get out, I'm awfully busy. For some minutes after Harry had left the room, Randalld sat gazing before him into space. Poor chap, he's got his fight too, but I begin to think he'll win, he said to himself, and once more returned to his work. He had hardly begun his writing when the inner door of his office opened, and Mr. Sinclair came in. His welcome was kindly and cordial, and Randalld's heart, which had been under strong discipline all morning, leaped up in warm response. You had a pleasant trip, I hope, inquired Mr. Sinclair. Fine, most of the way. Through May and June the flies were bad, but not so bad as usual, they said, and one gets used to them. Good sport? Never saw anything like it. What a country that is! cried Randalld, his enthusiasm carrying him away, fishing of all kinds and superb. In those little lonely lakes you get the finest black and white bass, beauties and so gamey. In the bigger waters, mask-launch, and, of course, any amount of pike and pickerel. Then we were always running up against deer, moose and red, and everywhere we got the scent of bear, could have loaded a boat with furs in a week. We must go up some day, replied Mr. Sinclair, wish I could get away this fall, but the fact is we are in shallow water, Randalld, and we can't take any chances. Randalld knew, well, how serious the situation was. But, continued Mr. Sinclair, this offer of the British American lumber and coal company is most fortunate and will be the saving of us. With one hundred thousand set free, we are certain to pull through this season, and indeed the financial stringency will rather help than hinder our operations. Really it is most fortunate. Indeed, he added with a slight laugh, as my sister-in-law would say, quite providential. I have no doubt of that, said Randalld gravely, but Mr. Sinclair, yes, no doubt, no doubt, said Mr. Sinclair, hastening to recover the tone, which by his unfortunate reference to Mrs. Murray he had lost. The thought of her was not in perfect harmony with purely commercial considerations. The fact is, he continued, that before this offer came I was really beginning to despair. I can tell you that now. Randalld felt his heart tighten. One does not mind for oneself, but when family interests are involved. But that's all over now, thank God. Randalld tried to speak, but his mind refused to suggest words. His silence, however, was enough for Mr. Sinclair, who with nervous haste once more changed the theme. In my note to you last night, you got it, I suppose, I referred to some changes in the firm. Randalld felt that he was being crowded against the ropes. He must get to freer fighting-ground. I think before you go on to that, Mr. Sinclair, he began, I ought to, excuse me, I was about to say, interrupted Mr. Sinclair hastily. Mr. Raymond and I have felt that we must strengthen our executive. As you know, he has left this department almost entirely to me, and he now realizes what I have long felt, that the burden has grown too heavy for one to carry. Naturally we think of you, and I may say we are more than glad, though it is a very unusual thing in the business world, that we can, with the fullest confidence, offer you a partnership. Mr. Sinclair paused to allow the full weight of this announcement to sink into his manager's mind. Then Randalld pulled himself together. He must break free, or the fight would be lost before he had struck a blow. I need not say, he began once more, how greatly gratified I am by this offer, and I feel sure you will believe that I am deeply grateful. Randalld's voice was low and even, but unknown to himself there was in it a tone of stern resolve that struck Mr. Sinclair's ear. He knew his manager. That tone meant war. Hastily he changed his front. Yes, yes, we are quite sure of that, he said, with increasing nervousness, but we are thinking of our own interests as well as yours. Indeed, I feel sure, here his voice became even more kindly and confidential, that in advancing your position and prospects, we are, I am only doing what will bring myself the greatest satisfaction in the end. For you know, Randalld, I, we, do not regard you as a stranger. Randalld winced and grew pale. We, my family, have always felt toward you as, well, in fact, as if you were one of us. Mr. Sinclair had delivered his last and deadliest blow, and it found Randalld's heart. But with pain blanching his cheek, Randalld stood up determined to end the fight. It was by no means easy for him to strike. Before him, he saw not this man with his ingenious and specious pleading. It would not have been a difficult matter to have brushed him aside. But he was looking into the blue eyes of the woman he had for seven years loved more than he loved his life. And he knew that when his blow fell, it would fall upon the face that only a few hours ago had smiled upon him, and upon the lips that had whispered to him, I will remember, Randalld. Yet he was none the less resolved. With face set and bloodless, and eyes of gleaming fire, he faced the man that represented what was at once dearest in life and what was most loathsome in conduct. Give me a moment, Mr. Sinclair, he said with a note of authority in his tone. You have made me an offer of the position such as I could hardly hope to expect for years to come, but I value it chiefly because it means you have absolute confidence in me, you believe in my ability and in my integrity. I am determined that you will never have caused to change your opinion of me. You are about to complete a deal involving a very large sum of money. I have a report here, tapping his desk, which you have not yet seen. It really doesn't matter, interjected Mr. Sinclair. You see, my dear fellow, it matters to me. It is a report which not only you ought to have, but which, in justice, the buyer of the Bass River limits ought to see. That report, Mr. Sinclair, ought to be given to Colonel Thorpe. This is sheer folly, exclaimed Mr. Sinclair impatiently. It is the only honourable course. Do you mean to insult me, sir? There is only one other thing I would rather not do, said Ronald, in a grave voice, and that is, refuse Colonel Thorpe the information he is entitled to from us. Sir, exclaimed Mr. Sinclair, this is outrageous, and I demand an apology or your resignation. Colonel Thorpe announced a clerk opening the door. Tell Colonel Thorpe I cannot—ah, Colonel Thorpe, I am glad to see you. Will you step this way, opening the door leading to his own office? The Colonel, a tall, raw-boned, typical Uncle Sam, even to the chin whisker and quid of tobacco, had an eye like an eagle. He shot a keen glance at Mr. Sinclair, and then at Ronald. Yes, he said, helping himself to a chair. This here is all right. This is your manager, eh? Mr. MacDonald, said Mr. Sinclair, introducing him. How do you do? Heard about you some, said the Colonel, shaking hands with him. Quite a knocker, I believe. Well, you rather look like it. Used to do some myself. Been up north, so the boss says. Good country, eh? Fine sporting country, Colonel, interrupted Sinclair. The game Mr. MacDonald says come right into your tent and beg to be shot. Doe, eh? the Colonel's eagle eye lighted up. Now what sort of game? Almost every kind, Colonel, replied Ronald. Don't say. Used to do a little myself. Moose? Yes, I saw a number of moose and any amount of other deer and, of course, plenty of bear. Don't say. How'd you come to leave them? Couldn't have done it myself by the great Sam. Open timber? Well, replied Ronald slowly, on the east of the Bass River. All that North Country Colonel, said Mr. Sinclair, is pretty much the same, I imagine, a little of all kinds. Much water, streams, and such? Yes, on the west side of the Bass there is plenty of water, a number of small streams and lakes, but— Oh, all through that North Country Colonel, you are safe in having a canoe in your outfit, said Mr. Sinclair, again interrupting Ronald. Lots of water, eh? Just like Maine. Ha-ha! The Colonel's quiet chuckle was good to hear. Reminds me, here he put his hand into his inside pocket and pulled out a flask. Excuse the glass, he said, offering it to Mr. Sinclair, who took a slight sip and handed it back. Have a little refreshment, said the Colonel, offering it to Ronald. I never take it, thank you. Don't! Say, by the great Sam, how'd you get through all that wet country? Well, it will not hurt you to leave it alone, solemnly winking at Sinclair, and taking a long pull himself. Good for the breath, he continued, putting the flask in his pocket. Now, about those limits of mine, the boss here has been telling you about our deal? A little, said Ronald. We've hardly had time to look into anything yet, said Mr. Sinclair, but if you will step into my office, Colonel, I have the papers and maps there. Mr. Sinclair's tone was anxious. Once more the Colonel shot a glance at him. You have been on the spot, I judge, he said to Ronald, rising and following Mr. Sinclair. Yes, over it all. Well, come along. You're the map we want, eh? Maps are chiefly for purposes of deception, I have found. And there ain't none of them right. And he held the door for Ronald to enter. Mr. Sinclair was evidently annoyed. Unfolding a map, he laid it out on the table. This is the place, I believe, he said, putting his finger down upon the map. Ain't surveyed, I judge, said the Colonel to Ronald. No, only in part. The old salter lines are there, but I had to go away beyond these. Weren't afraid to get in the last day. Well, show us your route. Ronald put his finger on the map and said, I struck the Bass River about here, and, using that as a base, first explored the whole west side, for, I should say, about ten miles back from the river. Don't say. How'd you grub? Game, mostly? Well, we carried some pork and Hudson Bay hard tack and tea, and, of course, we could get all the fish and game we wanted. Lots of game, eh? Small and big. The Colonel was evidently much interested in this part of Ronald's story. By the great Sam must go up there. It would do you all the good in the world, Colonel, said Mr. Sinclair heartily. You must really go up with your men and help them lay out the ground, you know. That's so. Now, if you were lumbering in there, how'd you get the timber out? Down the Bass River to Lake Nipissing, said Ronald, pointing out the route. Yes, but how'd you get it to the Bass? These limits, I understand, lie on both sides of the Bass, don't they? Yes. And the Bass cuts through it the short way? Yes. Well, does that mean six or eight or ten miles of a hall? On the west side, replied Ronald, no. There are a number of small streams and lakes which you could utilize. And on the east side? You see, Colonel, broke in Mr. Sinclair, that whole country is one network of waterways. Notice the map here, and there are always a number of lakes not marked. That is quite true, said Ronald, as a rule. But on the east side. Oh, of course, said Mr. Sinclair hastily, you will find great differences in different parts of the country. Mr. Sinclair folded up the map and threw it on the table. Let's see, said the Colonel, taking up the map again. Now how about the camps, Mr. MacDonald? Where do you locate them? I have a rough draft here in which the bases for camps are indicated, said Ronald, ignoring the imploring and angry looks of his chief. Let's have a look at them, said the Colonel. Oh, you haven't shown me this, said Mr. Sinclair, taking the draft from Ronald. No, sir, you have not seen my final report. No, not yet, of course. We have hardly had time yet, Colonel, but Mr. MacDonald will make a copy of this for you and send it in a day or two, replied Mr. Sinclair, folding up the sketch nervously and placing it on his desk. The Colonel quietly picked up the sketch and opened it out. You have got that last report of yours, I suppose, he said, with a swift glance at Mr. Sinclair. That gentleman's face was pallid and damp. His whole fortune hung on Ronald's reply. It was to him a moment of agony. Ronald glanced at his face and paused. Then, drawing his lips a little tighter, he said, Colonel Thorpe, my final report has not yet been handed in. Mr. Sinclair has not seen it. In my judgment, here Mr. Sinclair leaned his hand hard upon his desk. You are getting full value for your money, but I would suggest that you go yourself or send your inspector to explore the limits carefully before you complete the deal. Colonel Thorpe, who had been carefully scanning the sketch in his hand, suddenly turned and looked Ronald steadily in the eye. These marks on the west side mean camps? Yes. There are very few on the east side. There are very few. The east side is inferior to the west. Much? Yes, much inferior. But in your opinion the limit is worth the figure? I would undertake to make money out of it. It is good value. The Colonel chewed hard for a minute, then turning to Mr. Sinclair, he said, while Mr. Sinclair, I'll give you one hundred thousand for your limit, but by the great Sam I'd give twice the sum for your manager if he's for sale. He's a man. The emphasis on the he was ever so slight, but it was enough. Mr. Sinclair bowed and, sinking down into his chair, busied himself with his papers. While, said the Colonel, that settled, and that reminds me, he added, pulling out his flask, good luck to the Bass River limits. He handed the flask to Mr. Sinclair who eagerly seized it and took a long drink. Goes good sometimes, said the Colonel innocently. While here's looking at you, he continued bowing toward Ronald, and by the great Sam you suit me well. If you ever feel like a change of air, indicate the same to Colonel Thorpe. Ah, Colonel, said Mr. Sinclair, who had recovered his easy, pleasant manner. We can sell limits, but not men. No, by the great Sam I replied the Colonel, using the more emphatic form of his oath. Nurbiam! While, he added, when you have the papers ready, let me know. Good day. Very well, Colonel, good-bye, good-bye. The Colonel did not notice Mr. Sinclair's offered hand, but nodding to Ronald, sauntered out of the office, leaving the two men alone. For a few moments Mr. Sinclair turned over his papers in silence. His face was flushed and smiling. Well, that is a most happy deliverance, Ronald, he said, rubbing his hands. But what is the matter? You are not well. White to the lips, Ronald stood looking at his chief with a resolved face. Mr. Sinclair, I wish to offer you my resignation as manager. Nonsense, Ronald, we will say no more about that. I was a little hasty. I hope the change I spoke of will go into immediate effect. I must beg to decline. The words came slowly, sternly, from Ronald's white lips. And why pray? I have little doubt you can discover the reason, Mr. Sinclair. A few moments ago, for honourable dealing, you would have dismissed me. It is impossible that I should remain in your employ. Mr. McDonald, are you serious in this? Do you know what you are doing? Do you know what you are saying? Mr. Sinclair rose and faced his manager. Only too well, said Ronald, with lips that began to quiver, and all the more because of what I must say further. Mr. Sinclair, I love your daughter. I have loved her for seven years. It is my one desire in life to gain her for my wife. Mr. Sinclair gazed at him in utter astonishment. And in the same breath, he said at length, you insult me and ask my permission. It is vain to ask your permission, I fear, but it is right that you should know my desire and my purpose. Your purpose? My unalterable purpose. You take my daughter out of my house in spite of my teeth? Mr. Sinclair could hardly find words. She will come with me, said Ronald a little proudly. And may I ask how you know, have you spoken to my daughter? I have not spoken to her openly. The blood rose in his dark face, but I believe she loves me. Well, Mr. MacDonald, your confidence is only paralleled by your prodigious insolence. I hope not, said Ronald, lowering his head from its proud pose. I have no desire to be insolent. Once more Mr. Sinclair looked at him in silence. Then slowly and with quiet emphasis he said, Mr. MacDonald, you are a determined man, but as God lives this purpose of yours you will never carry out. I know my daughter, I think, better than you know her, and I tell you, here a slight smile of confidence played for a moment on his face. She will never be your wife. Ronald bowed his head. It shall be as she wills, he said, in a grave almost sad voice. She shall decide, and he passed into his office. All day long Ronald toiled at his desk, leaving himself no time for thought. In the late afternoon Harry came in on his way home. Thanks, old chap, said Ronald, looking up from his work. Shant be able to come to-night, I am sorry to say. Not come, cried Harry. No, it is impossible. What rot, and Mamie has waited ten days for you, come along. It is quite impossible, Harry, said Ronald, and I want you to take this note to Mamie. The note will explain to her. But, Ronald, this is—and Harry, I want to tell you that this is my last day here. Harry gazed at him, speechless. Mr. Sinclair and I have had a difference that can never be made right, and to-night I leave the office for good. Leave the office for good? Going to leave us? What the deuce can the office do without you? And what does it all mean? Come, Ronald, don't be such a confounded sphinx. Why do you talk such rubbish? It is true, said Ronald, though I can hardly realize it myself. It is absolutely and finally settled. And I say, old man, don't make it harder for me. You don't know what it means to me to leave this place and—you and all. In spite of his splendid nerve, Ronald's voice shook a little. Harry gazed at him in amazement. I will give your note to Mamie, he said, but you will be back here if I know myself. I'll see father about this. Now, Harry, said Ronald, rising and putting his hand on his shoulder, you are not going to mix up in this at all. And for my sake, old chap, don't make any row at home. Promise me, said Ronald again, holding him fast. Well, I promise, said Harry reluctantly, but I'll be hanged if I understand it at all. And I tell you this, that if you don't come back here, neither shall I. Now you are talking rot, Harry, said Ronald, and sat down again to his desk. Harry went out in a state of day's astonishment. Alone Ronald sat in his office, writing steadily, except that now and then he paused to let a smile flutter across his stern, set face, as a gleam of sunshine over a rugged rock on a cloudy day. He was listening to his heart, whose every beat kept singing the refrain, I love her, I love her, she will come to me. At that very moment Mamie was showing her Aunt Murray her London dresses and finery, and recounting her triumphs in that land of social glory. How lovely, how wonderfully lovely they are, said Mrs. Murray, touching the beautiful fabrics with fond fingers. And I am sure they will suit you well, my dear. Have you worn most of them? No, not at all. This one I wore the evening I went with the Lord Archers to the Hethcutts Ball, Lord Hethcutts, you know, is an uncle of Captain Delacy. Was Captain Delacy there, inquired Mrs. Murray. Yes indeed, cried Mamie, and we had a lovely time. Either the memory of that evening brought the warm blushes to her face, or it may be the thought of what she was about to tell her Aunt. And Captain Delacy is coming tomorrow. Coming tomorrow? Yes, he has written to Aunt Frank and to Papa as well. Mrs. Murray sat silent, apparently not knowing what to say, and Mamie stood with the dress in her hands, waiting for her Aunt to speak. At length Mrs. Murray said, You knew Captain Delacy before, I think. Oh, I have known him for a long time, and he's just splendid, Auntie, and he's coming to— Mamie paused, but her face told her secret. Do you mean he is going to speak to your father about you, Mamie? Mamie nodded. And are you glad? He's very handsome, Auntie, and very nice, and he's awfully well connected in that sort of thing, and when Lord Hethcutt dies he has a good chance of the estates and the title. Do you love him, Mamie? asked her Aunt quietly. Mamie dropped the dress and sitting down upon a low stool turned her face from her Aunt and looked out of the window. Oh, I suppose so, Auntie, she said. He's very nice and gentlemanly, and I'd like to be with him. But Mamie, dear, are you not sure that you love him? Oh, I don't know, said Mamie petulantly. Are you not pleased, Auntie? Well, I confess I am surprised. I do not know, Captain Delacy, and besides, I thought it was— I thought you— Mrs. Murray paused, while Mamie's face grew hot with fiery blushes, but before she could reply they heard Harry step on the stairs, and in a moment he burst into the room. Randall isn't coming, he exclaimed. Here's a note for you, Mamie, but what the— But what he means, said Harry, checking himself, I can't make out. Not coming, cried Mamie, the flush fading from her face. What can he mean? She opened the note, and as she read the blood rushed quickly into her face again and as quickly fled, leaving her pale and trembling. Well, what does he say? inquired Harry bluntly. He says it is impossible for him to come to-night, said Mamie, putting the note into her bosom. Grunted Harry, and flung out of the room. Immediately Mamie pulled out the note. Oh, Auntie, she cried, I am so miserable. Randall is not coming, and he says, there, read it. She hurriedly thrust the note into Mrs. Murray's hands, and Mrs. Murray, opening it, read. My dear Mamie, it is impossible for me to go to you to-night. Your father and I have had a difference so serious that I can never enter his house again, but I am writing now to tell you what I meant to tell you to-night. I love you, Mamie. I love you with all my heart and soul. I have loved you since the night I pulled you from the fire. Mamie, said Mrs. Murray, handing her back the note, I do not think you ought to give me this. That is too sacred for any eyes but your own. Oh, I know, Auntie, but what can I do? I am so sorry for Randall. What shall I do, Auntie? My dear child, in this neither I nor anyone can advise you. You must be true to yourself. Oh, I wish I knew what to do, cried Mamie. He wants me to tell him, Mamie paused, her face once more covered with blushes. And I do not know what to say. What does your heart say, Mamie? said Mrs. Murray quietly. Oh, Auntie, I am so miserable. But Mamie continued her aunt. In this matter, as I said before, you must be true to yourself. Do you love Randall? Oh, Auntie, I cannot tell, cried Mamie, putting her face in her hands. If Randall were Delacy, would you love him? Oh, yes, yes, how happy I would be! Then Mrs. Murray rose. Mamie, dear, she said, and her voice was very gentle but very firm. Let me speak to you for your dear mother's sake. Do not deceive yourself. Do not give your life for anything but love. Randall is a noble man, and he will be a great man some day, and I love him as my own son, but I would not have you give yourself to him, unless you truly loved him. She did not mention Delacy's name nor utter a word in comparison of the two. But, listening to her voice, Mamie knew only too well whither her love had gone. Oh, Auntie, she cried, I cannot bear it. Yes, Mamie, dear, you can bear to do the right, for there is one in whose strength we can do all things. Before Mamie could reply, her aunt Frances came in. It is dinnertime, she announced, and your father has just come in, Mamie, and we must have dinner over at once. Mamie rose, and going to the glass, smoothed back her hair. Her aunt Frances glanced at her face, and then at Mrs. Murray, and a sef-fearing Mamie's reply went on hurriedly. You must look your very best tonight, and even better tomorrow, she said, smiling significantly. She came and put her hands on Mamie's shoulders, and kissing her, said, Have you told your aunt Murray who is coming to-morrow? I am sure I am very thankful, my dear, you will be very happy. It is an excellent match. Half the girls in town will be wild with envy. He has written a very manly letter to your father, and I am sure he is a noble fellow, and he has excellent prospects. But we must hurry down to dinner, she said, turning to Mrs. Murray, who, with a look of sadness on her pale face, left the room without a word. Ronald is not coming, said Mamie, when her aunt Murray had gone. Indeed, from what your father says, cried Aunt Frank indignantly, I do not very well see how he could. He has been most impertinent. You are not to say that, Aunt Frank, cried Mamie. Ronald could not be impertinent, and I will not hear it. Her tone was so haughty and fierce that Aunt Frank thought it wiser to pursue this subject no further. Well, she said, as she turned to leave the room, I am very glad he has the grace to keep away to-night. He has always struck me as a young man of some presumption. When the door closed upon her, Mamie tore the note from her bosom and pressed it again and again to her lips. Oh, Ronald! Ronald! she cried. I love you! I love you! Oh, why can it not be? Oh, I cannot—cannot give him up! She threw herself upon her knees and laid her face in the bed. In a few minutes there came a tap at the door, and her Aunt Frances's voice was heard. Mamie, your father has gone down. We must not delay. The tone was incisive and matter of fact. It said to Mamie, now let's have no nonsense, be a sensible woman of the world. Mamie rose from her knees, hastily removing all traces of tears from her face, and glancing in the glass. She touched the little ringlets into place, and went down to dinner. It was a depressing meal. Mr. Sinclair was irritable, Harry perplexed and sullen, Mamie nervously talkative. Mrs. Murray was heroically holding herself in command, but the look of pain in her eyes and the pathetic tremor on her lips belied the brave smiles and cheerful words with which she seconded Aunt Frank. After dinner the company separated, for there were still preparations to make for the evening. As Mrs. Murray was going to her room, she met Harry in the hall with his hat on. Where are you going, Harry? Anywhere, he growled fiercely, to get out of this damnable hypocrisy. Pardon me, Aunt Murray, I can't help it. It is damnable, and a whole lot of them are in it. Then Mrs. Murray came and, laying her hand on his arm, said, Don't go, Harry. Don't leave me. I want someone. Come upstairs. Harry stood looking at the sweet face, trying to smile so bravely in spite of the tremulous lips. You are a dear brave little woman, he said, hanging up his hat, and I'll be hanged if I don't stay by you. Come along upstairs. He stooped and, lifting her in his arms in spite of her laughing protests, carried her upstairs to her room. When they came down to the party, they both looked braver and stronger. The party was a great success. The appointments were perfect, the music the best that could be had, and Mamie more beautiful than ever. In some mysterious way, known only to Aunt Frank, the rumor of Mamie's approaching engagement got about among the guests, and produced an undertone of excitement to the evening's gaiety. Mamie was too excited to be quite natural, but she had never appeared more brilliant and happy, and surely she had every cause. She had achieved a dizzy summit of social success, that made her at once the subject of her friend's congratulations, and her rival's secret envy, and which was the more delightful it would be hard to say. Truly she was a fortunate girl, but still the night was long, and she was tired of it all before it was over. The room seemed empty, and often her heart gave a leap as her eyes fell upon some form that appeared more handsome and striking than others near, but only to sink again in disappointment when a second glance told her that it was only some ordinary man. Kate too kept aloof in a very unpleasant way, and Harry, devoting himself to Kate, had not done his duty. But in spite of everything the party had been a great success, and when it was over Mamie went straight to bed, to sleep. She knew that Randall would be awaiting the answer to his note, but she could not bring herself to face what she knew would be an ordeal that might murder sleep for her, and sleep she must have, for she must be her best to-morrow. It would have been better for all involved had she written her answer that night. Otherwise Randall would not have been standing at her door in the early afternoon asking to see her. It was Aunt Frances who came down to the drawing-room. As Randall stood up and bowed, she adjusted her pants-nay upon her aristocratic nose and viewed him. You are wishing to see Miss Sinclair, she said, in her very chilliest tone. I asked to see Mamie, said Randall, looking at her with cool, steady eyes. I must say, Mr. MacDonald, that after your conduct to my brother yesterday I am surprised you should have the assurance to enter his house. I would prefer not discussing office matters with you, said Randall politely, and with the suspicion of a smile. I have come to see Mamie. That, I am glad to say, is impossible, for she is at present out with Captain Delacy, who has just arrived from the east to—see—to, in short, on a very special errand. For a moment Randall stood without reply. She is out, you say, he answered at length. She is out with Captain Delacy. He caught the touch of triumph in her voice. Will she be back soon? inquired Randall, looking baffled. Of course one cannot tell in such a case, answered Miss Sinclair, but I should think not. Miss Sinclair was enjoying herself, and did her good to see this insolent, square-jawed young man standing helpless before her. It is important that I should see her, said Randall, after a few moments thought. I shall wait. Had Miss Sinclair known him better she would have noticed with some concern the slow fires kindling in his eyes. As it was she became indignant. That, Mr. McDonald, you shall not, and allow me to say frankly that your boldness, your insolence, I may say, is beyond all bounds. Insolence and when? Randall was very quiet. You come to the house of your employer whom you have insulted and demand to see his daughter. I have a right to see her. Right! What right have you pray? Then Randall stood up and looked Miss Sinclair full in the face with eyes fairly alight. Miss Sinclair, have you ever known what it is to love with all your soul and heart? Miss Sinclair gasped. Because if not you will not understand me. If you have, you will know why I must see Mimi. It is seven years now since I began to love her. I remember the spot in the woods. I see the big tree there behind her and the rising ground stretching away to the right. I see the place where I pulled her out of the fire. Every morning since that time I have waked with the thought of her. Every night my eyes have closed with a vision of her before me. It is for her I have lived and worked. I tell you she is mine. I love her. I love her. And she loves me. I know it. His words came low, fierce and swift. Miss Sinclair stood breathless. What a man he looked and how handsome he was. With but a moment's pause Randall went on, but his voice took a gentler tone. Miss Sinclair, do you understand me? Yes, I know you do. The blood came flowing suddenly to her thin cheeks. You say she is out with Captain Delacy and you mean me to think that she is to give herself to him. He loves her, I know, but I say she is mine. Her eyes have told me that. She is mine, I tell you, and no man living will take her from me. The fire that always slumbered in his eyes was now blazing in full fury. The great passion of his life was raging through his soul, vibrating in his voice and glowing in his dark face. Miss Sinclair sat silent and then motioned him to a seat. Mr. MacDonald, she said with grave courtesy, you are too late, I fear. I did not realize. May me will never be yours. I know my niece. At the sad earnestness of her voice Randall's face began to grow pale. I will wait for her, he said quietly. I beg you will not. I will wait, he repeated with lips tight pressed. It is vain, Mr. MacDonald, I assure you. Spare yourself and her. I know what. I could have— Her voice grew husky. I will wait, once more, replied Randall, the lines of his face growing tense. Miss Sinclair rose and gave him her hand. I will send a friend to you, and I beg you to excuse me. Randall bowed gravely. And to forgive me. And she left the room. Randall heard her pass through the hall and up the stairs, and then a door closed behind her. Before he had time to gather his thoughts together he heard a voice outside that made his heart stand still. Then the front door opened quickly and Mamie and Delacy stood in the hall. She was gaily talking. Randall rose and stood with his back to the door, before him was a large mirror which reflected the hall through the open door. He stood waiting for them to enter. Hang up your hat, Captain Delacy, then go in and find a chair while I run upstairs, cried Mamie gaily. You must learn your way about here now. No, said Delacy in a low, distinct voice. I can wait no longer, Mamie. She looked at him a moment as if in fear. Come, he said, holding out his hands to her. There was no chance in the park, and I can wait no longer. Slowly she came near. My darling, my sweetheart, he said in a low voice full of intense passion. Then while she lay in his arms he kissed her on the lips twice. Randall stood gazing in the mirror as if fascinated. As their lips met, a low groan burst from him. He faced about and with a single step stood in the doorway. Shriek after shriek echoed through the house as Mamie sprang from Delacy's arms and shrank back to the wall. Great Heavens, cried Delacy. Why, it's MacDonald. What the deuce do you mean coming in on people like that? What is it Mamie? cried her Aunt Frank, hurrying downstairs. Then she saw Randall standing in the doorway with face bloodless, ghastly, livid. Quickly she went up to him and said, in a voice trembling and not un-gentle, Oh, why did you wait, Mr. MacDonald? Go away now, go away. Randall turned and looked at her with a curious, un-comprehending gaze, and then said, Yes, I will go away. He took a step toward Mamie, his eyes like lurid flames. She shrank from him while Delacy stepped in his path. With a sweep of his arm he brushed Delacy aside, hurling him crashing against the wall and stood before the shrinking girl. Goodbye, Mamie. Forget that I loved you once. The words came slowly from his pallid lips. For some moments he stood with his burning eyes fastened upon her face. Then he turned slowly from her and groped blindly for his hat. Miss Sinclair hurried toward him, found his hat, and putting it in his hand, said in a broken voice while tears poured down her cheeks. Here it is. Goodbye, goodbye. He looked at her a moment as if in surprise, and then with a smile of rare sweetness on his white lips he said, I thank you, and passed out, going feebly like a man who has got a death wound. END OF CHAPTER XXII It was springtime and the parks and avenues were in all the dainty splendor of their new leaves. The afternoon May sun was flooding the city with gold and silver light, and all the air was tremulous with the singing of birds. A good day it was to live, if one could only live in the sunny air within sight of the green leaves and within sound of the singing birds. A day for life and love it was, at least so Kate thought as she drew up her prancing team at the Sinclair house, where Harry stood waiting for her. Dear Kate, he cried, how stunning you are, I love you. Come, Harry, jump up. Breton is getting excited. Stony-hearted wretch, grumbled Harry, did you hear me tell you I love you? Nonsense, Harry, jump in. I'll report to Lily Langford. Don't tell, pleaded Harry, and do keep Breton on all fours. This isn't a circus, you terrify me. We have only time to make the train, hurry up, cried Kate, steady my boys. Someday, Kate, those boys of yours will be your death or the death of some of your friends, said Harry, as he sprang in and took his place beside Kate. That Breton ought to be shot, it really affects my heart to drive with you. You haven't any, Harry, you know that right well, so don't be alarmed. Quite true, said Harry sentimentally, not since that night, don't you remember, Kate, when you, now, Harry, I only remind you that I always tell my girlfriend's everything you say. It is this wedding that's got into your blood. I suppose so, murmured Harry pensively. Wish it would get into yours. Now seriously, Kate, at your years you ought, Harry, said Kate indignantly, I really don't need you at the station. I can meet your aunt quite well without you. Shall I set you down here, or drive you to the office? Oh, not to the office I entreat, I entreat, anything but that. Surely I may be allowed this day. I shall be careful of your sensitive points, but I do hope this wedding of Mamies will give you serious thoughts. Kate was silent, giving her attention, doubtless, to her team. Then, with seeming irrelevance, she said, didn't I see Colonel Thorpe yesterday in town? Yes, the old heathen, I haven't forgiven him for taking off Rannold as he did. He didn't take off Rannold, Rannold was going off anyway. How do you know, said Harry? I know, replied Kate, with a little colour in her cheek. He told me himself. Well, old Thorpe was mighty glad to get him, I can tell you that, the old sinner. He's just a dear, cried Kate. Yes, he was glad to get Rannold. What a splendid position he gave him. Oh, yes, I know, he adores you, like all the rest, and so you thank him a dear. But this Kate ignored, for the team were speeding along at an alarming pace. With amazing skill and dash, she threaded her way through the crowded streets, with almost no checking of her speed. Do be careful, cried Harry, as the wheels of their carriage skimmed the noses of the car-horses. I am quite sure my aunt will not be able to recognise me. And why not? Because I shall be grey-haired by the time I reach the station. There's the train, I do believe, cried Kate, flourishing her whip over her horse's backs. We must not be late. If we ever get there alive, said Harry. Here we are, sure enough. Shall I go to the train? No indeed, cried Kate. Do you think I'm going to allow anyone to meet my aunt Murray but myself? I shall go, you hold the horses. I am afraid, really, cried Harry, pretending terror. Oh, I fancy you will do, cried Kate, smiling sweetly as she ran off to meet the incoming train. In a few moments she returned with Mrs. Murray and carrying a large black valise. Hello, aunty dear, cried Harry. You see, I can't leave these brutes of Kate, but believe me, it does me good to see you. What a blessing a wedding is to bring you to us. I suppose you won't come again until it is Kate or mine. That would be sure to bring me, cried Mrs. Murray, smiling her bright smile, provided you married the right persons. Why, aunty, said Harry dismally, Kate is so unreasonable. She won't take even me. You see, she's so tremendously impressed with herself and all the fellows spoil her. By this time Kate had the reins and Harry had climbed into the back seat. Dear old aunty, he said, kissing his aunt, I am really delighted to see you. But to return to Kate, look at her. Doesn't she look like a Roman princess? Now Harry, do be sensible or I shall certainly drive you at once to the office, said Kate, severely. Oh, the heartlessness of her. She knows well enough that Colonel Thorpe is there, and she would shamelessly exult over his abject devotion. She respects neither innocent youth nor gray hairs as witness myself and Colonel Thorpe. Isn't he a silly boy, aunty, said Kate, and he is not much improving with age. But what's this about Colonel Thorpe, said Mrs. Murray? Sometimes Randall writes of him in high terms, too. Well, you ought to hear Thorpe abuse Randall, says he's ruining the company with his various philanthropic schemes, said Harry. But you can never tell what he means exactly. He's a wily old customer. Don't believe him, aunty, said Kate with a sagacious smile. Colonel Thorpe thinks that the whole future of his company and of the province depends solely upon Randall. It is quite ridiculous to hear him while all the time he is abusing him for his freaks. It must be a great country out there, though, said Harry, and what a row they are making over confederation. What do you mean, Harry? said Mrs. Murray. We hear so little in the country. Well, I don't know exactly, but those fellows in British Columbia are making all sorts of threats that unless this railway is built forthwith they will back out of the Dominion and some of them talk of annexation with the United States. Don't I wish I was there. What a lucky fellow Randall is. Thorpe says he's a big gun already, no end of a swell. Of course, as manager of a big concern like the British American Coal and Lumber Company, he is a man of some importance. I don't think he's taking much to do with public questions, said Kate, though he did make a speech at New Westminster not long ago. He has been up in those terrible woods almost ever since he went. Hello, how do you know, said Harry, looking at her suspiciously. I get a fragment of a note from Randall now and then, but he's altogether too busy to remember humble people. I hear regularly from Coley. You remember Coley, don't you? said Kate, turning to Mrs. Murray. Oh, yes, that's the lad in whom Randall was so interested in the Institute. Yes, replied Kate. Coley begged and prayed to go with Randall, and so he went. She omits to state, said Harry, that she also begged and prayed and further that she outfitted the young rascal, though I've reasoned to thank Providence for removing him to another sphere. How does it affect you, said Mrs. Murray? Why, haven't you heard, Aunt Murray, of the tremendous heights to which I have attained? I suppose she didn't tell you of her dinner party. That was after you had left last fall. It was a great bit of generalship. Some of Randall's football friends, Little Merrill, Starry Hamilton, that's the captain you know, and myself among them, were asked to a fair well supper by this young lady. And when the men had well drunk—fid, I mean—and were properly dissolved in tears over the prospect of Randall's departure, at a critical moment the Institute was introduced as a side issue. It was dear to Randall's heart. A most effective picture was drawn of the Institute deserted and falling into ruins, so to speak, with Kate heroically struggling to prevent utter collapse. Could this be allowed? No, a thousand times no. Someone would be found, surely. Who would it be? At this juncture, Kate, who had been maintaining a powerful silence, smiled upon Little Merrill, who being distinctly inflammable, and for some mysterious reason devoted to Randall, and for an even more mysterious reason devoted to Kate, swore he'd follow if someone would lead. What could I do? My well-known abilities naturally singled me out for leadership, so to prevent any such calamity I immediately proposed that if Starry Hamilton, the great football chief, would command this enterprise I would follow. Before the evening was over, the Institute was thoroughly manned. It is nearly half-true, ant, said Kate. And by our united efforts, continued Harry, the Institute has survived the loss of Randall. I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am, Harry, that both of my boys are taking hold of such good work, you here and Randall in British Columbia. He must have a very hard time of it, but he speaks very gratefully of Colonel Thorpe, who, he says, often opposes, but finally agrees with his proposals. Harry laughed aloud. Agrees, does he, and you know why? I remember seeing him one day, and he was in a state of wild fury at Randall's notions. I won't quote his exact words. The next day I found him in a state of bland approval. Then I learned incidentally that in the meantime Kate has been giving him tea and music. Don't listen to his mean insinuations, auntie, said Kate, blushing a little. Mrs. Murray turned and looked curiously into her face and smiled, and then Kate blushed all the more. I think that may explain some things that have been mysterious to me, she said. Oh, what, auntie? cried Harry. I am most anxious to know. Never mind, said Mrs. Murray. I will explain to Kate. That won't help me any. She is a most secretive person, twiddles us all round her fingers and never lets us know anything until it's done. It is most exasperating. Oh, I say Kate, added Harry, suddenly. Would you mind dropping me at the florists here? Why, oh, I see, said Kate, drawing in her team. How do you do, Lily? Harry is anxious to select some flowers, she said, bowing to a very pretty girl on the sidewalk. Kate, do stop it, besought Harry, in a low voice as he leaped out of the carriage. Goodbye, auntie. I'll see you this evening. Don't believe all Kate tells you, he added, as they drove away. Are you too tired for a turn in the park, said Kate, or shall we drive home? A drive is always pleasant. Besides, one can talk about some things with more freedom in a carriage than face to face in one's room. The horses require attention at critical moments, and there are always points of interest when it is important that conversation should be deflected from the subject in hand. So, since Mrs. Murray was willing, Kate turned into the park. For an hour they drove along its shady winding roads, while Mrs. Murray talked of many things, but mostly of Randall, and of the tales that the Glengarry people had of him. For wherever there was lumbering to be done, sooner or later, their Glengarry men were to be found, and Randall had found them in the British Columbia forests. And to their people at home their letters spoke of Randall and his doings, at first doubtfully, soon more confidently, but always with pride. To MacDonald Vane a rare letter came from Randall now and then, which he would carry to Mrs. Murray with the difficult pretense of modesty. For with MacDonald Vane Randall was a great man. But he is not quite sure of him, said Mrs. Murray. He thinks it is a very queer way of lumbering, and the wages he considers excessive. Does he say that? asked Kate. That's just what Colonel Thorpe says his company are saying, but he stands up for Randall, even when he can't see that his way is the best. The Colonel is not very sure about Randall's schemes for the men, his reading room, library, and that sort of thing, but I'm sure he will succeed. But Kate's tone belied her confident words. Mrs. Murray noticed the anxiety in Kate's voice. At least we are sure, she said gently, that he will do right, and after all that is success. I know that right well, replied Kate, but it is hard for him out there with no one to help him or to encourage him. Again Mrs. Murray looked at Kate, curiously. It must be a terrible place, Kate went on, especially for one like Randall, for he has no mind to let things go. He will do a thing as it ought to be done, or not at all. Soon after this Kate gave her mind to her horses, and in a short time headed them for home. What a delightful drive we have had, said Mrs. Murray gratefully, as Kate took her upstairs to her room. I hope I have not worried you with my dismal forebodings, she said, with a little laugh. No dear, said Mrs. Murray, drawing her face down to the pillow where Kate had made her lay her head. I think I understand, she added, in a whisper. Then Kate laid her face beside that of her friend, and whispered, Oh, Auntie, it is so hard for him. But Mrs. Murray stroked her head softly, and said, There is no fear, Kate, all will be well with him. Immediately after dinner Kate carried Mrs. Murray with her to her own room, and after establishing her in all possible comfort she began to read extracts from Coley's letters. Here is the first Auntie, they are more picturesque than elegant, but if you knew Coley you wouldn't mind, you'd be glad to get any letter from him. So saying Kate turned her back to the window, a position with the double advantage of allowing the light to fall upon the paper, and the shadow to rest upon her face, and so proceeded to read. Dear Miss Kate, we got here, that is to New Westminster. Last night, and it is a queer town, the streets run every way, the houses are all built of wood, and almost none of them are painted. The streets are full of all sorts of people, I saw lots of China men and Indians, it makes a feller feel kind of queer as if he was in some foreign country. The hotel where we stopped was a pretty good looking place. Of course, nothing like the hotel we stopped in at San Francisco, it was pretty fine inside, but after supper when the crowd began to come into the bar you never saw such a gang in your life, they knew how to sling their money, I can tell you, and then they began to yell and cut up. I tell you it would make the ward seem like a Sunday school. The boss, that's what they call him here, I guess didn't like it much and I don't think you would either. Next morning we went to look at the mills. They are just sheds with slab roofs, I don't think much of them myself, though I don't know much about mills. The boss went round asking questions and I don't think he liked the look of them much either, I know he kept his lips shut pretty tight as we used to see him do sometimes in the institute. I am awful glad he brought me along. He says I have got to write to you at least once a month and I've got to take care of my writing too and get the spelling right. When I think of the fellers back in the alley's pitch and pennies I tell you I'd rather die than go back. Here a fellow feels he's alive. I wish I'd paid more attention to my writing in the night school but I guess I was pretty much of a fool them days and you were awful good to me. The boss says that a man must always pay his way and when I told him I wanted to pay for them clothes you gave me he looked kind of funny but he said that's right so I want you to tell me what they cost and I will pay you first thing for I'm going to be a man out in this country. We're going up the river next week and see the gangs working up there in the bush. It's kind of lonesome here going along the street and looking people in the faces to see if you can see one you know. Lots of times I thought I did see someone I knew but it wasn't. Goodbye I'll write you soon again. Yours truly Michael Cole. The second letter Kate went on is written from the camp 20 mile camp he calls it. He tells how they went up the river in the steamer taking with them some new hands for their camp and how these men came on board half drunk and how all the way up to Yale they were drinking and fighting it must have been horrible after that they went on smaller boats and then by wagons on the roads it must have been terrible Cole seems much impressed with the big trees he says these big trees are pretty hard to write about without saying words the boss don't allow it makes you think of being in St. Michael's it's so quiet and solemn like and I never felt so small in all my life the boss and me walked the last part of the way and got to camp late and pretty tired and the men we brought in with us was all pretty mad but the boss never paid no attention to him but went whistling about as if everything was lovely we had some pork and beans for supper and went to sleep in a bunk nailed up against the side of the shanty it was as hard as a board but I tell you it felt pretty good next day I went wandering round with the foreman and the boss I tell you I was afraid to get very far away from him for I'd be sure to get lost the bush is that thick that you can't see your own length ahead of you that night when the boss and me and the foreman was in the shanty they call the office after supper we heard a most awful row what's that says the boss oh that's nothing says the foreman the boys is having a little fun I guess he didn't say anything that went on talking but in a little while the row got worse and we heard pounding and smashing do you allow that sort of thing says the boss well he says guess the boys got some whiskey last night I generally let him alone well says the boss quiet like I think you'd better go in and stop it not if I know myself says the foreman I ain't ordered my funeral yet well we'll go in and see anyway says the boss I tell you I was kind of scared but I thought I might as well go along when we got into the sleep in shanty there was a couple of fellas with hand spikes breaking up the benches and knocking things around most terrible say boys yelled the foreman and then he began to swear most awful they didn't seem to pay much attention but kept on knocking around and swearing come now says the foreman kind of coaxing like this ain't no way to act get down and behave yourselves but still they didn't pay no attention then the boss walked up to the biggest one and when he got quite close to him they all got still looking on I'll take that hand spike says the boss help yourself says the man swinging it up I don't know what happened it was done so quick but before you could count three that fella was on his knees bleeding like a pig and the hand spike was out of the door and the boss walks up to the other fella and says put that hand spike outside he began to swear put it out says the boss quiet like and the fella backs up and throws his hand spike out and the boss up and speaks and says look here men I don't want to interfere with nobody and won't while he behaves himself but there ain't going to be any row like that in this camp say you ought to have seen them they sat like the gang used to in the night school and then he turned and walked out and we all followed him I guess they ain't used to that sort of thing in this camp I heard the men talking next day pretty big of what they was going to do but I don't think they'll do much they don't look that kind anyway if there's going to be a fight I'd feel safer with the boss than with the whole lot of them the letter after this went on Kate tells of what happened the Sunday following we'd gone out in the afternoon boss and me for a walk and when we got back the camp was just howling drunk and the foreman was worst of all they kind of quieted down for a little when we come in and let us get into the office but pretty soon they began acting up funny again and swearing most awful then I see the boss shut up his lips hard and I says to myself look out for blood then he starts over for the bunk shanty I was mighty scared and followed him close just as we shoved open the door a bottle comes singing through the air and smashed to a thousand bits on the beam above is that the kind of cowards you are says the boss quite cool he didn't speak loud but I tell you everybody heard him and got dead still no boss says one fella not all the man that through that bottle says the boss is a coward in the meanest kind he's afraid to step out here for five minutes nobody moved step up you based says an Irishman or it's me self will kick you out of the camp hand out the fella comes it was the same duck that the boss scared out of the door the first night stand up to him Billy says the Irishman we'll see fair play stand up to the gentleman Billy says the boss hand his eyes was blazing like candles you're going to leave this camp tomorrow morning you can take your choice will you get onto your knees now or later with that Billy whipped out a knife and rushes at him but the boss grabs his wrist and gives it a twist and the knife fell onto the floor the boss holds him like a baby and picks up the knife and throws it into the fire now says he get onto your knees quick and the fella drops on his knees and bellard like a calf let's pray says someone and the crowd howls give us your hand boss says the Irishman you're the top of this gang the Irishman shoves out his clipper and the boss takes it in an easy kind of way my ought to seen that Irishman squirm how holy mither he yells and dances around what do you think you got and he goes off looking at his fingers and the boss stands looking at him and says you're a nice lot of fellas you don't deserve it but I'm going to treat you fair I know you feel Sunday pretty slow and I'll try to make it better for you but I want you to know that I won't have any more row in this camp and I won't have any man here that can't behave himself tomorrow morning you pointing at the foreman and you Billy and you pointing at another chap leave the camp and they did do though they begged and prayed to let him stay and by next Sunday we had a lot of papers and books with pictures in them and a bang up dinner and everything went nice I am liking it fine I'm timekeeper and look after the store but I drive the team to every chance I get and I'd rather do that a long way but many a night I tell you when the boss and me is alone we talk about you and the institute fellas and the boss well that's all said Kate but isn't it terrible aren't they dreadful poor fellows said mrs. Murray it's a very hard life for them but isn't it awful auntie they might kill him said Kate yes dear said mrs. Murray in a soothing voice but it sounds worse to us perhaps than it is mrs. Murray had not lived in the Indian lands for nothing oh if anything should happen to him said Kate with sudden agitation we must just trust him to the great keeper said mrs. Murray quietly in whose keeping all are safe whether there or here then going to her valise she took out a letter and handed it to Kate saying that's his last to me you can look at it Kate Kate took the letter and put it in her desk I think perhaps we'd better go down now she said I expect Colonel Thorpe has come I think you will like him he seems a little rough but he is a gentleman and has a true heart and they went downstairs it is the mark of a gentleman to know his kind he has an instinct for what is fine and offers ready homage to what is worthy anyone observing Colonel Thorpe's manner of receiving mrs. Murray would have known him at once for a gentleman for when that little lady came into the drawing room dressed in her decent silk gown with soft white lace at her throat bearing herself with sweet dignity and stepping with dainty grace on her toes after the manner of the fine ladies of the old school and not after the flat-footed heel first modern style the Colonel abandoned his usual careless manner and rose and stood rigidly at attention anti this is my friend Colonel Thorpe said Kate proud to know you madam said the Colonel with his finest military bow and I am glad to meet Colonel Thorpe I have heard so much of him through my friends and she smiled at him with such genuine kindness that the gallant Colonel lost his heart at once your friends have been doing me proud he said bowing to her and then to Kate oh you needn't look at me said Kate you don't imagine I have been saying nice things about you she has other friends that think much of you yes said mrs. Murray randald has often spoken of you Colonel Thorpe and of your kindness said mrs. Murray the Colonel looked doubtful well I don't know that he thinks much of me I have had to be pretty hard on him why asked mrs. Murray well I reckon you know him pretty well began the Colonel well she ought to said Kate she brought him up and his many virtues he owes mostly to my dear aunt's training oh Kate you must not say that said mrs. Murray gravely then said the Colonel you ought to be proud of him you produced a rare article in the commercial world and that is a man of honor he is not for sale and I want to say that I feel as safe about the company's money out there as if I was setting on it but he needs watching added the Colonel he needs watching what do you mean said mrs. Murray whose pale face had flushed with pleasure and pride at the Colonel's praise of randald too much philanthropy said the Colonel bluntly the British American coal and lumber company ain't a benevolent society exactly I'm glad you spoke of that Colonel Thorpe I want to ask you about some things that I don't understand I know that the company are criticizing some of randald's methods but I don't know why exactly now Colonel cried Kate stand to your guns well said the Colonel I'm going to execute a masterly retreat as they used to say when a fellow ran away I'm going to get behind my company they claim you see that randald ain't a paying concern but how said mrs. Murray then the Colonel enumerated the features of randald's management most severely criticized by the company he paid the biggest wages going the cost of supplies for the camps was greater and the company's stores did not show as large profits as formerly and of course said the Colonel the first aim of any company used to pay dividends and the manager that can't do that has to go then mrs. Murray proceeded to deal with the company's contentions going at once with swift intuition to the heart of the matter you were speaking of honor a moment ago Colonel there is such a thing in business certainly that's why I put that young man where he is that means that the company expect him to deal fairly by them that's about it and being a man of honor I suppose he will also deal fairly by the men and by himself I guess so said the Colonel I don't pretend to understand the questions fully but from randald's letters I have gathered that he did not consider that justice was being done either to the men or to the company for instance in the matter of stores I may be wrong in this you will correct me Colonel I understand it was the custom to charge the men in the camps for the articles they needed prices three or four times what was fair well said the Colonel I guess things were a little high but that's the way every company does and then I understand that the men were so poorly housed and fed and so poorly paid that only those of the inferior class could be secured well I guess they weren't very high class said the Colonel that's right enough but Colonel if you secure a better class of men and you treat them in a fair and honorable way with some regard to their comfort you ought to get better results in work shouldn't you well that's so said the Colonel there never was such an amount of timber got out with the same number of men since the company started work but yet the thing don't pay and that's the trouble the concern must pay or go under yes that's quite true Colonel said Mrs Murray but why doesn't your concern pay well you see there's no market trade is dull and we can't sell to advantage but surely that is not your manager's fault said Mrs Murray and surely it would be an unjust thing to hold him responsible for that but the company don't look at things in that light said the Colonel you see they figure it this way stores ain't bringing in the returns they used to the camps cost a little more wages are a little higher there ain't nothing coming in and they say well that chap out there means well with his reading rooms for the mill hands his library in the camp and that sort of thing but he ain't sharp enough sharp enough that's a hard word Colonel said Mrs Murray earnestly and it may be a cruel word but if Ronald were ever so sharp he really couldn't remove the real cause of the trouble you say he has produced larger results than ever before and if the market were normal there would be larger returns then it seems to me Colonel that if Ronald suffers he is suffering not because he has been unfaithful or incompetent but because the market is bad and that I am certain you would not consider fair you must not be too hard on us said the Colonel so far as I am concerned I think you are right but it is a hard thing to make businessmen look at these things in anything but a business way but it should not be hard Colonel said Mrs Murray with sad earnestness to make even businessmen see that when honor is the price of dividends the cost is too great and without giving the Colonel an opportunity of replying she went on with eager enthusiasm to show how the laws of the kingdom of heaven might be applied to the great problems of labor and it would pay Colonel she cried it would pay in money but far more it would pay in what cannot be bought for money in the lives and souls of men for unjust and uncharitable dealing injures more the man who is guilty of it than the man who suffers from it in the first instance madam answered the Colonel gravely I feel you are right and I should be glad to have you address the meeting of our shareholders called for next month to discuss the question of our western business do you mean Reynolds position asked Kate well I rather think that will come up then said Mrs Murray unconsciously claiming the Colonel's allegiance I feel sure there will be one advocate at least for fair and honorable dealing at that meeting and the Colonel was far too gallant to refuse to acknowledge the claim but simply said you may trust me madam I shall do my best I only wish papa were here said Kate he is a shareholder isn't he and wish he could hear you auntie but he and mama won't be home for two weeks oh Kate cried Mrs Murray you make me ashamed and I fear I have been talking too much at this point Harry came in I just came over to send you to bed he said kissing his aunt and greeting the others you are all to look you're most beautiful tomorrow well said the Colonel slowly that won't be hard for the rest of you and it don't matter much for me and I hope we ain't going to lose our music no indeed cried to Kate sitting down at the piano while the Colonel leaned back in his easy chair and gave himself up to an hours unmingled delight you have given more pleasure than you know to a wayfaring man he said has he bad her good night come again when you are in town you are always welcome Colonel Thorpe she said you may count me here every time said the Colonel then turning to Mrs Murray with a low bow he said you have given me some ideas madam that I hope may not be quite unfruitful and as for that young man of yours well I guess you ain't hurt his cause any we'll put up a fight anyway I'm glad to have met you Colonel Thorpe said Mrs Murray and I'm quite sure you will stand up for what is right and with another bow the Colonel took his leave now Harry you must go to said Kate you can see your aunt again after tomorrow and I must get my beauty sleep besides I don't want to stand up with a man gaunt and hollow-eyed for lack of sleep and she bundled him off in spite of his remonstrances but eager as Kate was for her beauty sleep the light burned late in her room and long after she had seen Mrs Murray snugly tucked in for the night she sat with Rannell's open letter in her hand reading it till she almost knew it by heart it told among other things of his differences with the company in regard to stores wages and supplies and of his efforts to establish a reading room at the mills and a library at the camps but there was a sentence at the close of the letter that Kate read over and over again with the light of a great love in her eyes and with a cry of pain in her heart the magazines and papers that Kate sends are a great boon dear Kate what a girl she is I know none like her and what a friend she has been to me ever since the day she stood up for me at Quebec you remember I told you about that what a guy I must have been but she never showed a sign of shame I often think of that now how different she was from another I see it now as I could not then a man is a fool once in his life but I have got my lesson and still have a good true friend often she read and long she pondered the last words it was so easy to read too much into them a good true friend she looked at the words till the tears came then she stood up and looked at herself in the glass now young woman she said severely be sensible and don't dream dreams until you are asleep and to sleep you must go forthwith but sleep was slow to come and strange to say it was the thought of the little woman in the next room that quieted her heart and sent her to sleep and next day she was looking her best and when the ceremony was over and the guests were assembled at the wedding breakfast there were not a few who agreed with Harry when in his speech he threw down his gauge as champion for the peerless bridesmaid whom for the hour alas too short he was privileged to call his lady fair for while Kate had not the beauty of form and face and the fascination of manner that turned men's heads and made me the envy of all her said there was in her a wholesomeness a fearless sincerity a noble dignity and that indescribable charm of a true heart that made men trust her and love her as only good women are loved at last the brilliant affair was all over the rice and the old boots were thrown the farewell words spoken and tears shed and then the ants came back to the empty and disordered house well i am glad for Mamie said ant frank it is a good match dear Mamie replied ant Murray with a gentle sigh i hope she will be happy after all it is much better said ant frank yes it is much better replied mrs Murray and then she added how lovely Kate looked what a noble girl she is but she did not explain even to herself much less to ant frank the nexus of her thoughts end of chapter 23 chapter 24 of the man from glengary this LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Bruce Peary the man from glengary a tale of the Ottawa by Ralph Conner chapter 24 the west the meeting of the shareholders of the british-american lumber and coal company was on the whole a stormy one for the very best of reasons the failure of the company to pay dividends the annual report which the president presented showed clearly that there was a slight increase in expenditure and a considerable falling off in sales and it needed but a little mathematical ability to reach the conclusion that in a comparatively short time the company would be bankrupt the shareholders were thoroughly disgusted with the british columbia end of the business and were on the lookout for a victim naturally their choice fell upon the manager the concern failed to pay it was the manager's business to make it pay and the failure must be laid to his charge their confidence in their manager was all the more shaken by the reports that had reached them of his peculiar fads his reading room library etc these were sufficient evidence of his lack of business ability he was undoubtedly a worthy young man but there was every ground to believe that he was something of a visionary and men with great hesitation in trust hard cash to the management of an idealist it was perhaps unfortunate for mr. Sinclair that he should be appealed to upon this point for his reluctance to express an opinion as to the ability of the manager and his admission that possibly the young man might properly be termed a visionary brought colonel thorpe sharply to his feet mr. Sinclair said the colonel in a cool cutting voice will not hesitate to bear testimony to the fact that our manager is a man whose integrity cannot be tampered with if i mistake not mr. Sinclair has had evidence of this mr. Sinclair hastened to bear the very strongest testimony to the manager's integrity and mr. Sinclair i have no doubt went on the colonel will be equally ready to bear testimony to the conspicuous ability our manager displayed while he was in the service of the Raymond and Sinclair lumber company mr. Sinclair promptly corroborated the colonel's statement we are sure of two things therefore continued the colonel that our manager is a man of integrity and that he has displayed conspicuous business ability in his former positions at this point the colonel was interrupted and his attention was called to the fact that the reports showed an increase of expenditure for supplies and for wages and on the other hand a falling off in the revenue from the stores but the colonel passed over these points as insignificant it is clear he proceeded that the cause of failure does not lie in the management but in the state of the market the political situation in that country is very doubtful and this has an exceedingly depressing effect upon business then interrupted a shareholder it is time the company should withdraw from that country and confine itself to a district where the market is sure and the future more stable what about these fads colonel asked another shareholder these reading rooms libraries etc do you think we pay a man to establish that sort of thing to my mind they simply put a lot of nonsense into the heads of the working men and are the chief cause of dissatisfaction upon this point the colonel did not feel competent to reply consequently the feeling of the meeting became decidedly hostile to the present manager and a resolution was offered demanding his resignation it was also agreed that the board of directors should consider the advisability of withdrawing altogether from british columbia in as much as the future of that country seemed to be very uncertain thereupon colonel thorp rose and begged leave to withdraw his name from the directorate of the company he thought it was unwise to abandon a country where they had spent large sums of money without a thorough investigation of the situation and he further desired to enter his protest against the injustice of making their manager suffer for a failure for which he had in no way been shown to be responsible but the shareholders refused to even consider colonel thorp's request and both the president and secretary exhausted their eloquence in eulogizing his value to the company as a compromise it was finally decided to continue operations in british columbia for another season colonel thorp declared that the reforms and reorganization schemes inaugurated by randall would result in great reductions in the cost of production and that randall should be given opportunity to demonstrate the success or failure of his plans and further the political situation doubtless would be more settled the wisdom of this decision was manifested later the spirit of unrest and dissatisfaction appeared again at the next annual meeting for while conditions were improving dividends were not yet forthcoming once again colonel thorp successfully championed randall's cause this time insisting that a further test of two seasons be made prophesying that not only would the present deficit disappear but that their patience and confidence would be amply rewarded yielding to pressure and desiring to acquaint himself with actual conditions from personal observation colonel thorp concluded to visit british columbia the autumn preceding the annual meeting which was to succeed randall's period of probation therefore it was that colonel thorp found himself on the coast steamship oragon approaching the city of victoria he had not enjoyed his voyage and was consequently in no mood to receive the note which was handed him by a brisk young man at the landing who's this from pat said the colonel taking the note mike if you please michael cole if you don't mind and the note is from the boss mr mcdonald who has gone up the country and can't be here to welcome you gone up the country or the colonel what the blank blank does he mean by going up the country at this particular time but mr michael cole was quite undisturbed by the colonel's wrath you might find the reason in the note he said coolly and the colonel glaring at him opened the note and read my dear colonel thorp i am greatly disappointed in not being able to meet you the truth is i only received your letter this week our males are none too prompt and so i have been unable to rearrange my plans i find it necessary to run up the river for a couple of weeks in the meantime thinking that possibly you might like to see something of our country i have arranged that you should join the party of the lieutenant governor on their trip to the interior and which will take only about four weeks time the party are going to visit the most interesting districts of our country including both the famous mining district of caribou and the beautiful valley of the okanagan mr cole my clerk will introduce you to mr blare our member of parliament for west minster who will present you to the rest of the party mr blare i need not say is one of the brightest businessmen in the west i shall meet you at yale on your return if it is absolutely impossible for you to take this trip and necessary that i should return at once mr cole will see that a special messenger is sent to me but i would strongly urge that you go if possible with kind regards look here young man yelled the colonel do you think i've come all this way to go gallivanting around the country with any blank blank royal party i don't know colonel said young cole brightly but i tell you i'd like mighty well to go in your place and where in the nation is your boss and what's he after anyway he's away up the river looking after business and pretty big business too said cole not at all overawed by the colonel's wrath well i hope he knows himself said the colonel oh don't make any mistake about that colonel said young cole he always knows where he's going and what he wants and he gets it but the colonel made no reply nor did he deign to notice mr michael cole again until they arrived at the new west minster landing the boss didn't know said cole approaching the colonel with some degree of care whether you would like to go to the hotel or to his rooms you can take your choice the hotel is not of the best and he thought perhaps you could put up with his rooms all right said the colonel i guess they'll suit me the colonel made no mistake in deciding for randall's quarters they consisted of two rooms that formed one corner of a long wooden single-story building in the shape of an owl one of these rooms randald made his dining room and bedroom the other was his office the rest of the building was divided into three sections and constituted a dining room reading room and bunk room for the men the walls of these rooms were decorated not inartistically with a few colored prints and with cuts from illustrated papers many and diverse the furniture throughout was home made with the single exception of a cabinet organ which stood in one corner of the reading room on the windows of the dining room and bunk room were green roller blinds but those of the reading room were draped with curtains of flowered muslin indeed the reading room was distinguished from the others by a more artistic and elaborate decoration and by a greater variety of furniture the room was evidently the pride of the company's heart in randall's private room the same simplicity in furniture and decoration was apparent but when the colonel was ushered into the bedroom his eye fell at once upon two photographs beautifully framed hung on each side of the mirror hello guess i ought to know this he said looking at one of them coley beamed he do a while then she's worth knowing and there's only one of her kind don't know about that young man said the colonel looking at the other photograph here's one that ought to go in her class perhaps said coley doubtfully the boss thinks so i guess from the way he looks at it young man what sort of fellows your boss said the colonel suddenly facing coley what sort coley thought a moment well it would need a good education to tell but there's only one in his class i tell you then he owes it to this little woman pointing to one of the photographs and she pointing to the other said so then you may bet it's true i don't bet on a sure thing said the colonel his annoyance vanishing in a slow smile his first since reaching the province dinner will be ready in half an hour sir said coley swearing allegiance in his heart to the man that agreed with him in regard to the photograph that stood with coley for all that was highest in humanity john he said sharply to the chinese cook got good dinner eh pretty good said john indifferently now look here john him big man john was not much impressed awful big man i tell you big soldier john preserved a stalled accountants john said the exasperated coley i'll kick you across this room and back if you don't listen to me want big dinner heap good eh uh-huh belly good replied john with a slight show of interest i say john what you got for dinner eh asked coley changing his tactics ham eggs lice answered the mongolian imperturbably gee whiz said coley go to feed the boss's uncle on ham and eggs what said john with sudden interest uncle boss eh yes said the unblushing coley huh coley heap fool get chicken quick meat shop small eh the china man was at last aroused pots pans and other utensils were in immediate requisition a roaring fire set to going and in three quarters of an hour the colonel sat down to a dinner of soup fish and fowl with various entrees and side dishes that would have done credit to a new york chef thus potent was the name of the boss with his cook john's excellent dinner did much to soothe and mollify his guest but the colonel was sensitive to impressions other than the purely gastronomic for throughout the course of the dinner his eyes wandered to the photographs on the wall and in fancy he was once more in the presence of the two women to whom he felt pledged in randall's behalf it's a one horse look in country though he said to himself and no place for a man with any snap best thing would be to pull out i guess and take him along and it was in this mind that he received the honorable archibald blair mpp for new west minster president of the british columbia canning company recently organized and a director in half a dozen other business concerns colonel tharp this is mr blair of the british columbia canning company said coley with a curious suggestion of randall in his manner glad to welcome a friend of mr mcdonald's said mr blair a little man of about 30 with a shrewd eye and a kindly frank manner well i guess i can say the same said colonel tharp shaking hands i judge his friends are of the right sort he'll find plenty in this country glad to class themselves in that list laughed mr blair i wouldn't undertake to guarantee them all but those he lists that way you can pretty well bank on he's a young man for reading men yes said the colonel interrogatively he's very young young for that matter so are we all especially on this side the water here it's a young man's country pretty young i judge said the colonel dryly lots of room to grow yes thank providence said mr blair enthusiastically but there's lots of life and lots to feed it but i'm not going to talk colonel it is always wasted breath on an easterner i'll let the country talk you are coming with us of course hardly thinks so my time is rather limited and well to tell the truth i'm from across the line and don't cater much to your royalties royalties exclaimed mr blair oh you mean our governor well that's good rather must tell the governor that mr blair laughed long and loud you'll forget all about that when you're out with us an hour no we think it well to hedge our government with dignity but on this trip we shall leave the gold lace and red tape behind how long do you propose to be gone about four weeks but i make you a promise if after the first week you want to return from any point i shall send you back with all speed but you won't want to i guarantee you that why my dear sir think of the route and mr blair went off into a rapturous description of the marvels of the young province its scenery its resources its climate its sport playing upon each string as he marked the effect upon his listener by the time mr blair's visit was over the colonel had made up his mind that he would see something of this wonderful country next day coley took him over the company's mills and was not a little disappointed to see that the colonel was not impressed by their size or equipment in coley's eyes they were phenomenal and he was inclined to resent the colonel's lofty manner the foreman mr urkart a shrewd scotchman who had seen the mills of the ottawa river and those in michigan as well understood his visitors attitude better and besides it suited his scotch nature to refuse any approach to open admiration for anything out of the old land his ordinary commendation was it's no that bad and his superlative was expressed in the daring concession hi it'll maybe die hit me to be war so he followed the colonel about with disparaging comments that drove coley to the verge of madness when they came to the engine room which was urkart's pride the climax was reached it's a wee bitter place and no fit for the work said urkart ushering the colonel into a snug little engine room where every bit of brass shone with dazzling brightness and every part of the engine moved in smooth sweet harmony slick little engine said the colonel with discriminating admiration it's no that bad the new but you should have seen it before jem there took a hand at it a weasen rattling patch and thing that you might expect a flea and bits for the noise and the wham of it but jemmy sorted it till it's nade despicable for its size but it's no fit for the work jemela just killed his fill and will pit the saw until a log said urkart as they went up into the sawing room where in a few minutes the colonel had an exhibition of the saw sticking fast in a log for lack of power man yonza lad that kenseth trade he's fraiglaska he earns his money's worth how did you come to get him said the colonel moved to interest by urkart's unwonted praise indeed just the way we've got all our best men it's the boss picked him out of the gutter and there he is earning his twan a half a day the boss did that a said the colonel with one of his swift glances at the speaker aye that he did and he's only one of many he's good at that sort of business i guess aye he kens men as you can see for his gang doesn't seem to be able to make the company's business pay ventured the colonel do you think you could find one that could pointing to the halting saw and that's the machine that turned out the pile's gender give him a chance though and when the stuff is disposed of you'll get your profit urkart knew what he was about and the colonel went back with coley to his rooms convinced of two facts that the company had a plant that might easily be improved but a manager that in the estimation of those who rot with him was easily first in his class randall could have adopted no better plan for the enhancing of his reputation than by allowing colonel tharp to go in and out among the workmen and his friends more and more the colonel became impressed with his manager's genius for the picking of his men and binding them to his interests and as this impression deepened he became the more resolved that it was a waste of good material to retain a man in a country offering such a limited scope for his abilities but after four weeks spent in exploring the interior from quenelle to okanagan and in the following in and out to the waterways of the coastline the colonel met randall at Yale with only a problem to be solved and he lost no time in putting it to his manager how in thunder can i get those narrow gauge hide bound easterners to launch out into business in this country i can't help you there colonel i've tried and failed by the great sam so you have said the colonel with a sudden conviction of his own limitations in the past no use trying to tell him of this swinging his long arm toward the great sweep of the phraser valley clothed with a mighty forest it's only a question of holding on for a few years the thing's dead sure i have been through a good part of it said randall quietly and i am convinced that here we have the pick of canada and i venture to say of the american continent timber hundreds of square miles of it fish i've seen that river so packed with salmon that i couldn't shove my canoe through hold on now said the colonel give me time simple sober truth of my own proving replied randall and you saw a fringe of the mines up in the caribou the coup tenet is full of gold and silver and in the okanagan you can grow food and fruits for millions of people i know what i am saying tell you what said the colonel you make me think you're speaking the truth anyhow then with a sudden inspiration he exclaimed by the great sammy i've got an idea and then as he saw randald waiting added but i guess i'll let it soak till we get down to the mill do you think you could spare me colonel asked randall in adubia's voice i really ought to run through a bit of timber here no by the great sam i can't i want you to come right along replied the colonel with emphasis what does he say in colonel asked mr blare wants to run off and leave me to paddle my way home alone not much and tell you what we have some important business to do before i go east you hear me and besides mcdonald i want you for that big meeting of ours next week you simply must be there you flatter me mr blare not a bit you know there are a lot of hotheads talking separation and that sort of thing and i want some level-headed fellow who is in with the working men to be there and as it turned out it was a good thing for mr blare and for the cause he represented that randald was present at the great mass meeting held in new west minster the next week for the people were exasperated beyond all endurance at the delay of the dominion in making good the solemn promises given at the time of confederation and were in a mood to listen to the proposals freely made that the useless bond should be severed railway or separation was the cry and resolutions embodying this sentiment were actually proposed and discussed it was randald's speech everyone said that turned the tide his calm logic made clear the folly of even considering separation his knowledge of and his unbounded faith in the resources of the province and more than all his impassioned picturing of the future of the great dominion reaching from ocean to ocean knit together by ties of common interest and a common loyalty that would become more vividly real when the provinces had been brought more closely together by the promised railway they might have to wait a little longer but it was worthwhile waiting and there was no future in any other policy it was his first speech at a great meeting and as mr. Blair shook him warmly by the hand the crowd burst into enthusiastic cries mcdonald mcdonald and in one of the pauses a single voice was heard glen gary forever then again the crowd broke forth glen gary glen gary for all who knew randald personally had heard of the gang that were once the pride of the ottawa at that old cry randald's face flushed deep red and he had no words to answer his friend's warm congratulations send him east cried a voice yes yes that's it send him to ottawa to john a it's the same clan swiftly mr. Blair made up his mind gentlemen that is a good suggestion i make it a motion it was seconded in a dozen places and carried by a standing vote then randald rose again and modestly protested that he was not the man to go he was quite unknown in the province we know you the same voice called out followed by a roar of approval and besides went on randald it is impossible for me to get away i'm a working man and not my own master then the colonel who was sitting on the platform rose and begged to be heard mr. chairman and gentlemen i ain't a canadian never mind you can't help that sang out a man from the back with the roar of laughter following but if i weren't an american i don't know anything that i'd rather be great applause four weeks ago i wouldn't have taken your province as a gift now i only wish uncle sam could persuade you to sell cries of he hasn't got money enough don't fool yourself but i want to say that this young man of mine pointing to randald has given you good talk and if you want him to go east why i'll let him off for a spell loud cheers for the colonel and for mcdonald a week later a great meeting in victoria endorsed the new west minster resolutions with the added demand that the railway should be continued to esquinal according to the original agreement another delegate was appointed to represent the wishes of the islanders and before randald had fully realized what had happened he found himself a famous man and on the way to the east with the jubilant colonel what was the great idea colonel that struck you at yale inquired randald as they were fairly steaming out of the esquinal harbor this is it my boy exclaimed the colonel slapping him on the back this here trip east now we've got him over the ropes by the great and everlasting sammy the form of oath indicating a climax in the colonel's emotion got who inquired randald mystified then gall blamed crossroad hayseeds down east and with this the colonel became discreetly silent he knew too well the sensitive pride of the man with whom he had to deal and he was chiefly anxious now that randald should know as little as possible of the real object of his going to british columbia we've got to make the british american coal and lumber company know the time of day it's getting up time out in this country they were talking a little of drawing out randald gasped some of them only the colonel hasten to add but i want you to talk like you did the other night and i'll tell my little tale and of that don't fetch him that i'm a turk well colonel here's my word said randald deliberately if the company wish to withdraw they may do so but my future is bound up with that of the west and i have no fear that it will fail me i stake my all upon the west end of chapter 24