his eyes grew dim. Then he once more took up a little strip of
paper that Graham had given him, and leaned forward with his arms upon
the table. The mill was very silent at last, for of all who had toiled
in it that day one weary man alone sat awake, staring, with aching
eyes, in front of him. There was, however, a little smile in them, for
roseate visions floated before them. If the promise that strip of
paper held out was redeemed, they might materialize, for those who had
toiled and wasted their substance that the eastern peoples might be fed
would that year, at least, not go without their reward. Then he
stretched out his arms wearily above his head.

"It almost seems that what I have hoped for may be mine," he said.
"Still, there is a good deal to be done first, and not two hours left
before I begin it to-morrow."

CHAPTER XXVII

REINSTATEMENT

A year of tireless effort and some anxiety had passed since Winston had
seen the first load of flour sent to the east, when he and Graham sat
talking in their Winnipeg office. The products of the St. Louis mills
were already in growing demand, and Graham appeared quietly contented
as he turned over the letters before him. When he laid down the last
one, however, he glanced at his companion somewhat anxiously.

"We have got to fix up something soon," he said. "I have booked all
the St. Louis can turn out for six months ahead, and the syndicate is
ready to take the business over, though I don't quite know whether it
would be wise to let them. It seems to me that milling is going to pay
tolerably well for another year, and if I knew what you were wanting,
it would suit me better."

"I told you I wanted thirty thousand dollars," said Winston quietly.

"You've got them," said Graham. "When the next balance comes out
you'll have a good many more. The question is, what you're going to do
with them now they're yours?"

Winston took out a letter from Dane and passed it across to Graham.

"I'm sorry to tell you the Colonel is getting no better," it ran. "The
specialist we brought in seems to think he will never be quite himself
again, and, now he has let the reins go, things are falling to pieces
at Silverdale. Somebody left Atterly a pile of money, and he is going
back to the old country. Carshalton is going too, and, as they can't
sell out to any one we don't approve of, the rest insisted on me seeing
you. I purpose starting to-morrow."

"What happen