to the west of it, lived by the trade in grain, and before
the afternoon had passed they learned that there had been a persistent
advance. The lad's uneasiness showed itself, but when they went back
to the hotel about the supper hour Winston smiled at him.

"You're feeling sick?" he said. "Still, I don't fancy you need worry."

Then Graham appeared and claimed him, and it was next morning when he
saw Alfreton again. He was breakfasting with Colonel Barrington and
Dane, and Winston noticed that the older man did not appear to have
much appetite. When the meal was finished he drew him aside.

"You have covered your sales, sir?" he asked.

"No, sir," said Barrington. "I have not."

"Then I wonder whether it would be presumption if I asked you a
question?"

Barrington looked at him steadily. "To be frank, I fancy it would be
better if you did not. I have, of course, only my own folly to blame
for believing I could equal your natural aptitude for this risky
amusement which I had, and still have, objections to. I was, however,
in need of money, and seeing your success, yielded to the temptation.
I am not laying any of the responsibility on you, but am not inclined
to listen to more of your suggestions."

Winston met his gaze without embarrassment. "I am sorry you have been
unfortunate, sir."

Just then Dane joined them. "I sat up late last night in the hope of
seeing you," he said. "Now, I don't know what to make of the market,
but there were one or two fellows who would have bought my estimated
crop from me at a figure which would have about covered working
expenses. Some of the others who did not know you were coming in, put
their affairs in my hands too."

"Sell nothing," said Winston quietly.

It was an hour later when a messenger from Graham found them in the
smoking-room, and Colonel Barrington smiled dryly as he tore up the
envelope handed him.

"'Market opened with sellers prevailing. Chicago flat!'" he read.

Dane glanced at Winston somewhat ruefully, but the latter's eyes were
fixed on Colonel Barrington.

"If I had anything to cover I should still wait," he said.

"That," said Dane, "is not exactly good news to me."

"Our turn will come," said Winston gravely.

That day, and during several which followed it, wheat moved down, and
Dane said nothing to Winston, about what he felt, though his face grew
grimmer as the time went on. Barrington was quietly impassive when
they met him, w