eman answered reassuringly, and Geoffrey, who turned away, rode
beneath the snow-sprinkled firs to Savine's ranch. It was late when he
reached it, but his partner and Helen were expecting him. Savine
sighed with satisfaction when Geoffrey said:

"In all probability we shall fire the decisive shot a fortnight from
to-day."

"It is great news," replied Julius Savine. "As I have said already, it
was a lucky day for me--and mine--when I first fell in with you. Two
more anxious weeks and then the suspense will be over and I can
contentedly close my career. Lord! it will be well worth the living
for--the consummation of the most daring scheme ever carried out in the
Mountain Province. I won't see your next triumph, Geoffrey, but it can
hardly be greater than this you have won for me."

"You exaggerate, sir," said Geoffrey. "It was you who won the
concession and overcame all the initial difficulties, while we would
never have gone so far without your assistance. Such a task would have
been far beyond me alone."

"No--though it is good of you to say so. There were times when I tried
to fancy I was running the contract, but that was just a sick man's
craze. You have played out the game well and bravely, Geoffrey, as
only a true man could. Perhaps Helen will thank you--just now I don't
feel quite equal to it."

Savine's voice broke a little, and he glanced at Helen, who sat very
still with downcast eyes. Geoffrey also looked at her for a second,
and his elation was tinged with bitterness. He could see that she was
troubled, and, with a pang of sudden misgiving, he watched her
anxiously. Without the one prize he had striven for, the victory would
be barren to him. Still, he desired to save her embarrassment, and
when she raised her head to obey her father, he broke in:

"Miss Savine can place me under an obligation by firing the fateful
charge instead. It was her first commission which brought good luck to
me, and it is only fitting she should complete the result of it by
turning the firing key."

Helen's eyes expressed her gratitude, as, consenting, she turned them
upon the speaker. Geoffrey rising to the occasion, said:

"Did you ever hear the story of the first contract I undertook in
British Columbia, sir? May I tell it to your father, Miss Savine?"

Helen was quick to appreciate his motive, and allowed him to see it.
While, seizing the opportunity to change the subject, Geoffrey told the
story whi