y do not know it; they are used to it. Let me warn
you that to tamper with existing trade schedules, except by one
experienced in the commerce of the North, is to invite disaster. You
will lose money!"

"But you told me that you yourself gave the Indians better bargains than
either the Hudson Bay Company or MacNair."

"I know the North! And you may be assured the concessions are more
nominal than real."

"Very well, then," flashed the girl. "My concessions will be more real
than nominal, and of that you may be assured. If my store pays expenses,
well and good!" And by the tone of the girl's voice, and the slight,
unconscious out-thrust of her chin, Pierre Lapierre knew that the time
was unpropitious for a further discussion of trade principles.

Chloe was speaking again: "But to return to the buildings----"

Lapierre interrupted her, speaking earnestly: "My dear Miss Elliston,
consider the circumstances, the limitations." He tapped lightly the roll
of blue-prints the girl held in her hand. "Those plans were made by a
man who had not the slightest knowledge of conditions as they exist here."

"The buildings are to be very simple."

"Undoubtedly. But simplicity is relative. A building that would be
considered simplicity itself in the States, might well be intricate
beyond the possibility of construction here in the wilderness. Do you
realize that among our men is not one who can read a blue-print, or has
ever seen one? Do you realize that to erect buildings in accordance with
these plans would require a force of skilled mechanics under the
supervision of a master builder? And do you realize that time is a most
important factor in our present undertaking? Who can tell at what moment
Brute MacNair may swoop down, upon us like Attila of old, and strike a
fatal blow to our little outpost of civilization? And if he finds _me_
here--" His voice trailed into silence and his eyes swept gloomily the
northern reach of the river.

Chloe appeared unimpressed. "I hardly think he will resort to violence.
There is the law--even here in the wilderness. Slow to act, perhaps,
because of the inaccessibility of the wild country; but once its
machinery is in motion, as unbending and as indomitable as justice
itself. You see, I have read of your Mounted Police."

"The Mounted!" Lapierre laughed. "Yes--I see you have _read_ of them!
Had you derived your information in a more direct manner--had you lived
among them-