at the mine, and you can change all this when
you like."

Thirlwell looked puzzled and Allott resumed: "You haven't opened your
mail yet and I didn't suggest it, because I wanted to talk to you first.
I wonder whether it will be a shock to hear that Sir James is dead?"

"I'm sorry," Thirlwell answered. "I think he'd have been kinder if I'd
let him. Perhaps I ought to have indulged him more than I did; but I was
obstinate, and--well, you know, he was harsh to my father--"

Allott made a sign of comprehension. "He died six weeks since and left
Helen most of his money; but he didn't cut you out."

Thirlwell moved abruptly.

"I expected nothing!"

"That was obvious," Allott remarked with some dryness. "Sir James was
very sore when you refused to come back, but he came round after a time.
When he was ill he told Helen it was refreshing to find a man who could
not be bought, and you were probably better fitted for roughing it in
Canada than the career he had planned for you. He added that he doubted
if there were many like you in that country. Still I think if you had
married Evelyn, you'd have got a larger share."

"Ah," said Thirlwell, "I had forgotten Evelyn! Is she with Helen?"

"Your admission's significant. Evelyn married Campbell--you remember
him? However, you don't seem very curious about your legacy."

"I was thinking about my quarrel with Sir James," Thirlwell replied.
"But I am curious."

Allott told him about the will and Thirlwell mused for some minutes. His
share was not very large, but he had expected nothing, and since he had
known Agatha he had felt the strain of poverty. He was not rich now, but
his handicap was lighter and he began to see a ray of hope. Then he
opened a letter from the English lawyers and asked Allott some
questions.

After a time Allott said, "Helen rather felt she was robbing you when
she heard the will and she was excited when you told us about the mine.
I hope the ore is as good as you thought."

"The ore is good, but difficult to work. Then I'm only manager; I hold
no shares."

"If you wished, you could buy enough to give you some control."

"Yes; I shall do so, now I'm able."

"Well," said Allott, "Helen sent me to look you up and gave me a
message. This money was something of a surprise, and after building a
vinery and buying a new car, she doesn't know what to do with it. I
pointed out that it could be invested on good security at three or four
per cent., but she