you a complete list when I unpack my
things--will, if left invested, provide you with a moderate income for
a single man. Indeed, with your Spartan tastes, you might live in what
you would consider luxury. As usual, however, in such cases, the
securities are not readily marketable, and your interest in some
ventures could hardly be summarily realized at any sacrifice. The
whole is left to you unconditionally, but my advice is decidedly that
you hold on."

"I am sorry," Geoffrey replied, "because even at a sacrifice I intend
to sell. If you're not too tired to listen a little longer, I'll try
to explain why."

Halliday listened gravely. Then he commented:

"As Anthony Thurston said, it is characteristic of you, and it's
possible that he would have approved of what on the surface looks like
folly. He stated that he hoped the bequest would help you to confound
your enemies. But you must act as a business man. You say that, if
you go deeper, your firm might still wind up just solvent; then why not
abandon the apparently hopeless project, and withdraw? Follow your
profession if you must work, or live upon your income. This drainage
scheme looks tolerably desperate on your own showing, and if, selling
at a sacrifice you sink all your new possessions in it, you may be left
utterly cleaned out, a beggar. You have no other relatives likely to
leave you another competence, Geoffrey."

"It can't be helped--or rather I don't want to help it. I've pledged
my word and honor to see this undertaking through, and I mean to redeem
it if it ruins me. Now what were you telling me about Mrs. Leslie?"

Halliday explained for some minutes before he said:

"You are on the spot, and it's your duty to join us. Anthony Thurston
was always eccentric, and has left us a very troublesome charge. Her
husband is not to get at the money, and this discrimination between man
and wife is going to be confoundedly awkward. However, as I'm going to
stay some little time, and if possible shoot a mountain sheep, we can
discuss it at leisure."

Thomas Savine, who came up in a day or two, speedily became good
friends with Halliday. Geoffrey had his work to superintend, and was
suspicious that Halliday seized the opportunity his absence afforded to
explain what appeared to him a sacrifice of Anthony Thurston's legacy.
One evening when Halliday was down in the canyon watching the workmen
toiling in the river, under the lurid blaze of the lu