e
buildings got smaller and plainer. It began to look as if Stormont was
not as important a man as he had thought, and he was conscious of some
disappointment as he went on until he stopped where private houses,
workshops, and shabby stores ran out towards Deer Park. Then he found
the number and entered a narrow, dingy building.

It was obvious that Stormont had studied economy when he chose his
office, and Drummond stopped and hesitated on a landing opposite a door
that badly needed painting. He began to think he had been rash in
leaving his post in the Ontario town, but nerving himself with the
reflection that he had a share in a silver vein, knocked at the door.
Somebody told him to come in, and he walked into a small room.

The dirty walls were hung with plans of building lots and surveys of the
forest belt in Eastern Manitoba. A glass partition ran up the middle and
on one side Watson sat in front of a typewriter. He looked at Drummond
with surprise, but did not get up.

"Well," he said, "why have you come to town? Have you got a week off, or
have you got fired?"

"You ought to know what I've come about, but I want to see the boss,"
Drummond rejoined.

"That's easy, anyhow," said Watson, with a grin Drummond did not like,
and indicated a door in the partition.

Drummond opened the door and saw Stormont sitting at a table covered
with papers. He looked up and nodded coolly.

"Hallo!" he said. "Mr. Drummond, isn't it? Sit down for a few minutes."

Then picking up a letter, he knitted his brows. He did not think
Drummond could give him much trouble, but he might become something of a
nuisance unless he was dealt with firmly. Stormont had not long since
come back from the North, feeling disappointed and savage, for he had
spent a good deal of money on the expedition. Besides, things had gone
wrong at the office while he was away and he had lost some profitable
business.

"What can I do for you?" he asked by and by.

"I've left the store," said Drummond. "Thought I'd locate in Winnipeg.
One has better chances in the big cities, and I reckoned you could find
me a job. Anyhow, I'll need some money."

"That's a sure thing. But why did you come to me for it?"

"You gave me fifty dollars--"

"When did I give you fifty dollars?" Stormont interrupted with a look of
surprise.

"The evening Watson took me to your room at the Dufferin House. Besides,
you promised me a share in the mine."

Stormont smiled. "Tha