nd give the kiddie her
chance." The answer had slipped out naturally, but now the fear chilled
him that he had been lured into making a confession. "I didn't say I was
going to take it," he added hastily.

"You're quite safe with me, Killen," Jeff told him. He was wondering
whether he could not get Captain Chunn to take over the mortgage.

"I'm not so much struck on Hardy myself," grumbled the legislator. "He's
a rich man, just as Frome is. Six of one and half a dozen of the other,
looks like to me."

"No, Killen. Frome represents the Transcontinental and the utility
corporations. Hardy stands for the people. And you're pledged to support
Hardy. You mustn't forget that."

"I ain't likely to forget that mortgage either," Killen came back
drearily.

"I think I can arrange about having the mortgage renewed. Will that do?"

"Yes. We're going to have a good year in the lumber business. Probably
in twelve months I could clear it off."

"Good! And about the little girl--she'll have her chance. I promise you
that."

The mill man wrung his hand, tears in his eyes. "You're a white man,
Jeff, and a dashed good friend. I tell you I'd hate like poison to go
back on Hardy. A fellow can't afford to do a thing like that. But what
else could I do? A fellow's got to stand by the children he brings into
the world, ain't he?"

Farnum evaded with a smile this discussion of moral issues. "Well, you
can stand by them and us, too, if I can fix up this mortgage proposition
for you."

"When will you let me know?" asked Killen anxiously.

"Will to-morrow morning do? In James' office, say."

"I'll have to know before noon," Killen reminded him, flushing with
embarrassment.

"If I can arrange to get the money--and I think I can--I'll let you know
at eleven. Don't worry, Sam. It will be all right."

The legislator shook hands again. "I ain't going to forget what you're
doing for me. No, sir!"

Jeff laughed his thanks easily. "That's all right. I reckon you would
have done as much for me. Sam Killen isn't the man to throw his friends
down."

"That's right," returned the other with a sudden valiant infusion
of courage. "I stand pat. I'm not going to lie down before the
Transcontinental. Not on your life, I ain't."

They were walking toward the outer door as Killen's speech overflowed.
"The Transcontinental doesn't own this state yet. No, sir! Nor Frome and
Merrill either. We'll show 'em--"

The valor of the big voice collapsed