that one was Dalton, who
advanced eagerly as Helen came in. He presented his companions to her
and Sadie, and a gentleman who was well known on Canadian railroads gave
Festing his hand. Another was Norton's employer, a famous contractor.

"Sit down," said the first. "The engineer wants to fill his tank, and
they won't pull out until we are ready." Then he turned to Festing. "We
have examined a piece of tract you helped build and I must compliment
you on a first-class job. As a rule, we are glad to get our contract
work up to specification, but you have done better."

"My partner is really responsible for that," Festing replied. "I got
knocked out soon after we made a good start and had to leave him to
carry on."

The contractor smiled as he interposed: "A good beginning counts for
much, and I'm glad to state that Mr. Charnock has kept to your lines.
When you were forced to leave it seemed prudent to make some inquiries,
but we found that your partner was doing high-grade work, and now we
have inspected it, I must admit that Norton's favorable reports were
deserved." He paused and turned to Sadie. "If your husband's as good a
farmer as an engineer, he'll make progress."

Sadie flushed with pride. "Looks as if he'd made some already, but you
didn't run much risk when you trusted him."

"My wife's the farmer and my partner the engineer," Charnock remarked.
"I know my limits, but try to keep going when somebody starts me well."

"You have gone farther than our bargain demanded, which doesn't often
happen," said the contractor, who turned to Festing. "Mr. Charnock has
my cheque for the main job, but there are some accounts to make up and
you won't find my cashier disputes the extras. Perhaps that's all I need
say, except that you have satisfied me, and, I gather, satisfied your
men. In fact, you and Mr. Charnock leave us with general good feeling."

Then they talked about something else until a man came in to say that
the locomotive tank was filled, and the engineer and contractor went to
the vestibule with their guests. For a minute or two the group stood on
the platform, exchanging farewell compliments, while the station agent
waited in the snow. Then the engineer said:

"I wanted to meet your husband, Mrs. Festing, and if we have any more
difficult work, hope you will let me have him again."

"He came back the worse last time," Helen answered smiling. "I'm not
sure I would have the courage to let him go. Besides