machinery and sufficient
men--which means money. There's a moderate fortune waiting us once we
can run the water out of the valley, and it's worth a desperate effort
to secure it."

"We have made a good many daring moves since my brother gave me his
power of attorney, and I have sunk more of my own money than my
partners, who have backed me pluckily, care about. Still, I can't see
how I'm going to meet your estimate, nohow."

"You have just got to do it," Geoffrey insisted. "It is the part you
chose. At my end, I'll stop for nothing short of manslaughter. We
simply can't afford to be beaten, and we're not going to be."

"I hope not," and Thomas Savine sighed dubiously. "Your assurance is
refreshing, Geoffrey, but I own up I can't see--well, we've done enough
for one day. Come round and spend the evening with me. Mrs. Savine is
anxious to see you."

Geoffrey hesitated for a few seconds, and Thomas Savine smiled at
something which faintly amused him. Remembering Helen's freezing look
and his occupation when she last saw him, Geoffrey felt that it might
not be pleasant to meet her so soon. Then, because he was a proud man,
he endeavored to accept the invitation with cordiality.

"I am glad you will come," said Thomas Savine, with a trace of the dry
humor which occasionally characterized him.

Geoffrey, who felt that in this instance the pleasure was hardly
mutual, and that Helen might not share it with her uncle, said nothing
further on that subject, until Mrs. Savine met him in the hotel
corridor. A friendship had grown up between them since the day
Geoffrey endured the elixir, after mending the bicycle, and there was a
mischievous amusement in the lady's eyes as she said; "My compliments,
Geoffrey. You are a brave man."

"I don't deserve them, madam. Wherein lies the bravery? Being at
present in perfect health, I have no cause to fear you."

Mrs. Savine laughed good-naturedly, then laid her hand upon his arm
with a friendly gesture. "Sober earnest, I am glad you came. I
believe in you, Geoffrey, and like to see a man show the grit that's in
him."

"I am honored," returned Geoffrey, with a little bow. There was a
grateful look in his brown eyes, which did not quail in the slightest
under the lady's scrutiny.

In spite of her good-will, he, however, derived little pleasure from
that evening of relaxation. Helen showed no open displeasure, but he
was painfully conscious that what she had seen