place, there is the inevitable decision to make between two
courses," said Harry; "the little-venture-little-win method or the running
of heavy risks for a heavy prize. Personally I favor the latter, which we
have adopted before, and, which I think you have already decided on."

"I have," I said.

"Then we will take it as settled that we put every possible acre under
crop this spring, hiring assistance largely, which, based on your own
figures, should leave us this balance. It's a pity to work poor Ormond's
splendid beasts at the plough, but of course you wouldn't like to sell
them, and they must earn their keep. The next question is the disposal of
the balance."

"I would not sell them for any price," I said. "My idea is to invest all
the balance--except enough to purchase seed and feed us during winter if
the crop fails--in cattle, buying a new mower, and hiring again to cut
hay. It's locked-up money, but the profit should provide a handsome
interest, and there's talk of a new creamery at Carrington, which promises
a good market for milk. This brings us back to the old familiar position.
We shall be prosperous men if all goes well, with just enough to pay our
debts if it doesn't."

"I look for the former," said Harry. "But with your permission we'll
deduct this much for a building fund--half to be employed at the
discretion of either. You will want to further extend this dwelling, and I
may buy Hudson's place under mortgage. It would be well-sunk money, for at
the worst we could get it back if we sold the property. You agree? Then
the whole affair is settled, and it only remains for Miss Lorimer to wish
us prosperity."

"You are a very considerate partner, Mr. Lorraine, and if I were a
wheat-grower I should be proud to trust you. May all and every success
attend your efforts. Now put up those papers, and tell me about British
Columbia."

It was very late when Harry walked back to Hudson's, while I did not sleep
all night, thinking over the tremendous difference that success or failure
would make to myself and Grace.

CHAPTER XXIX

CONCERNING THE DAY SPRING MINE

It was a perfect day when we commenced the ploughing, and we hailed it as
a favorable augury that cloudless sunshine flooded the steaming prairie.
Glittering snow still filled the hollows here and there, but already the
flowers lifted their buds above the whitened sod, and the air vibrated to
the beat of tired wings as the wild fowl returne