g higher than ever,
bringing out in strong relief the long squat building, the dark,
restless, noisy throng, and the space of illuminated earth. Against
the night the flames and building and mob of hundreds of men seemed a
crimson vision from some inferno to an accompaniment of mad music.

"The camp's gone on a tear; drive ahead," her father said. "This isn't
a sight for you girls to look at."

And with that the two cars sped forward towards the dam, where on this
night so much was converging. For their occupants already had had an
experience that had started them at once to seek the man around whose
figure were swirling a hundred passions and dark currents of destiny.

CHAPTER XXIII

WITH FANGS BARED

That Sunday afternoon Janet Hosmer had awakened about sunset from an
after-dinner sleep, rested and refreshed, with her mind continuing to
be occupied by thoughts of Steele Weir about whom had eddied her
dreams. The man was no longer the mystery he had been, since now she
knew all the circumstances of his life, and on that account was
nearer, more human, and yet as compelling.

That on his part his interest went beyond mere friendship she had
recognized from his voice and eyes when they were together. Ah, in
truth, how his tones deepened and his look betrayed his feelings! At
the thought Janet's heart beat faster and her cheeks grew warm and an
indefinable joy seemed to fill her breast. She would not deny it: his
presence, his touch gave her a greater happiness than she had ever
known. At a single stride, as it were, he had come into the middle of
her life and dominated her mind and changed her whole outlook.

How he too had changed and grown in the coming! From the avaricious,
calculating, heartless manager of the construction work, as she seeing
through colored San Mateo eyes had believed him to be, he now stood
forth a figure of power, undaunted by difficulties, undismayed by
enemies however numerous, fearless to a fault, stern perhaps--but who
would not have been made stern in his place?--and determined, cool,
resourceful, alert, and of an integrity as firm and upright as a
marble shaft. Yet beneath this exterior his heart was quick and tender
for those who needed sympathy or help, and his hand swift to aid.

More than once a hot flush burned on Janet's face, as sitting there on
the vine-hung veranda in the gathering dusk, recollection assailed her
with memories of wasted kindnesses given the infamous