ecame for a moment almost the man he had been.

Thurston had determined to hold his fallen leader's credit safe, not
only before the eyes of others but even in his own, and was doing it to
the best of his ability.

"Of course, we have had trouble--lots of it, but nothing we could not
overcome," he repeated. "If everything went smoothly it would grow
monotonous. Still, you can rest perfectly contented, sir, and assist
us with your judgment in the difficult cases. For instance, would you
let me know what you think of these specifications?"

Savine, who seemed to find a childish pleasure in being consulted,
forgot his former anxiety, and Geoffrey, leaving him contented, slipped
out of the ranch, and, finding a sheltered path among the redwoods,
paced to and fro. He was presently surprised to see Helen move out
from among the trees. She had a fur about her shoulders which set off
the finely-chiselled face above it. Nevertheless, for once at least,
he was by no means pleased to see her.

"I wish to ask you a question," she said. "Of course, I have heard
there was an inquiry into the breaking of the sluice, but neither you
nor my uncle thought fit to give me any definite information on the
subject. Unfortunately, my father heard distorted rumors of the
accident, and has been fretting ever since. As you know, this is most
detrimental to his failing health, and, so that I may be the better
able to soothe him I want you to tell me all that happened."

"There is absolutely no cause for uneasiness. As I said, we had one or
two difficulties which may have been vanquished. Your uncle will bear
me out in this," answered Geoffrey, who would have spoken more freely
had he not feared the girl's keenness. Helen's face, which was at
first scornful, grew anxious as she responded:

"I have no doubt he would! In fact, when I asked him he explained with
such readiness that I cannot help concluding you have both conspired to
keep me in the dark. Can you not see that, situated as I am in caring
for an invalid who will not let his mind rest, uncertainty is almost
worse than the knowledge of disaster to me. Will you not tell me
frankly what you fear?"

"I would do anything to drive your fears away." Geoffrey, who felt
helpless beneath the listener's searching eyes, spoke with sympathy in
his voice. "But I can only say again there is very slight cause for
anxiety."

Helen turned half from him, angrily, then she faced roun