ou would rather I talked
business. I'm considerably indebted to you for the way you tackled the
late crisis, and approve of the log-guard's extension. How much did
the extra work cost you?"

"Here is the wages bill and a list of the iron work charged at cost,"
Thurston answered. "As I did the work without any orders you would be
justified in declining to pay for it, and I have included no profit."

"Ah!" said Savine, who glanced over the paper and scribbled across it.
Looking up with a twinkle in his eye, he asked: "Have you been
acquiring riches latterly? My cashier will pay that note whenever you
hand it in at Vancouver. I'll also endorse your contract for payment
if you will give it me. Further, I want to say that I've been to look
at your work, and it pleases me. There are plenty of men in this
province who would have done it as solidly, but it's the general design
and ingenious fixings that take my fancy. May I ask where you got the
ideas?"

"In England," answered Geoffrey. "I spent some time in the drawing
office of a man of some note." He mentioned a name, and Savine, who
looked at him critically, nodded as if in recognition. The older man
smiled when Thurston showed signs of resenting his inspection.

"In that case I should say you ought to do," Savine observed,
cheerfully.

"I don't understand," said Thurston, and Savine answered:

"No? Well, if you'll wait a few moments I'll try to make things plain
to you. I want a live man with brains of his own, and some knowledge
of mechanical science. There is no trouble about getting them by the
car load from the East or the Old Country, but the man for me must know
how to use his muscles, if necessary, and handle ax and drill as well.
In short, I want one who has been right through the mill as you seem to
have been, and, so long as he earns it, I'm not going to worry over his
salary."

"I'm afraid I would not suit you," said Geoffrey. "I'm rather too fond
of my own way to make a good servant, and of late I have not done badly
fighting for my own hand. Therefore, while I thank you, and should be
glad to undertake any minor contracts you can give me, I prefer to
continue as at present."

"I should not fancy that you would be particularly easy to get on
with," Savine observed with another shrewd glance, but with unabated
good humor. "Still, what you suggest might suit me. I have rather
more work at present than I can hold on to with both hands,