criminating sign, he broke out in a storm of accusation.

"So, Mr. Ford! This is why you changed the route of the extension and
added twelve miles to its length!" he raved. "This explains why you
suddenly found the shorter route impracticable! Answer me sir: when did
you become interested in this mine?"

There was a little stir of consternation among the listeners; and it did
not help matters that the man on horseback ambled up at the moment and
drew rein behind the doctor's vehicle. Ford's hands were gripping the
reins until the stiff leathers were crumpled into strings; but it was
Alicia's touch on his arm that enabled him to reply coldly:

"It was something over two months ago, I believe. I can give you the
exact date when we reach Copah, though you will permit me to say that it
is none of your business."

Mr. Colbrith exploded like a hastily fired bomb.

"I propose to make it some of my business! Was it before or after your
purchase here that you decided upon the change of route? Answer me that,
Mr. Ford!"

Ford wheeled his bronchos and closed the shouting gap.

"Sit down, Mr. Colbrith," he said half-menacingly. "If it is your
purpose to humiliate me before your guests, I shall drive on and leave
you."

"You don't answer my question; you can not answer it! You instructed
your assistant to change the line of this railroad _after_ you had
bought this mine!"

[Illustration: "Answer me, sir! When did you become interested in this
mine?"]

"And if I did?"

"You did. And by so doing, Mr. Ford, you diverted the company's money to
your own personal ends as wrongfully as if you had put your hands into
the treasurer's strong-box. In other words, you became what you have
accused others of being--a common grafter!"

Ford's face was very white, and his lips were drawn into thin lines when
he opened them to reply. But the restraining hand was on his arm again,
and he obeyed it.

"I don't care to talk with you, about this matter or any other, here and
now. Later on, perhaps, when you can speak without being abusive, I
shall take the liberty of telling you what I think of you." And at that,
he gave his horses the rein and drove on, swiftly, abruptly, leaving the
president and his guests to follow as they would.

For some minutes neither of the two in the flying buckboard could find
words wherewith to bridge the miserable chasm so suddenly opened between
them. Miss Alicia's eyes were tear-brightened and unfathomabl