for a timber framework,
beginning about half-way up the bank, although its height would vary
with the ground. The gaps between the frames would be faced with
rockwork and then filled with rubble in order to make a bed for the
rails on top.

"If you will come to the office, I'll show you the detailed drawings,"
Norton said presently, and the others followed him.

When they reached the office Festing studied the drawings, and then
giving them to Charnock, lighted his pipe. He wanted to undertake the
contract, but hesitated. The work already on his hands would occupy him
for some time, and a lengthy absence might prejudice him with Helen.
Besides, he had taken risks enough and a new venture might prove a rash
challenge to fortune; one could not foresee all the difficulties that
might arise. But, if he succeeded, he would go home with the means to
resume his farming on a profitable scale. Then he saw Charnock looking
at him and knew he would agree to his decision. Festing put down his
pipe and knitted his brows.

"Well?" said Charnock.

Festing got up with a quick, resolute movement, and turned to Norton.

"We'll undertake the job."

"That's all right," said Norton. "I'll get the papers drawn up and send
them over for you to sign."

They went out, and as they climbed the hill Charnock remarked: "This may
turn out a big thing, partner. Are you going home before we start?"

Festing looked up sharply, with a disturbed air. "No. To begin with,
I've got to be about because the thing is big."

"Then, as matters are going smoothly now, I'll leave you for a week."

"I can manage for a week and one of us must stay. But why d'you want to
leave?"

"On the whole, I think one of us had better go," Charnock answered with
some dryness. "If you don't mind, I'll get off to-morrow."

He started next morning, in the caboose of a returning supply train, and
Festing, who went to see him off, stood for a few minutes on the snowy
track while the rattle of wheels and snorting of the locomotive died
away. Bob had made a curious remark when he talked about going, and
Festing wondered what he meant, but dismissed the matter and went back
to his work.

It was a bitter afternoon when Charnock got down at the little prairie
station that was marked by a water-tank, the agent's shack, and the
lower frames of three unfinished grain elevators. He hired a rig at the
livery stable, and borrowing a fur-robe started on his drive across
the plai