at was a different proposition--nothing to do with this. I've
dropped that game entirely. This is big enough for us all!"

She looked the picture of unsophisticated innocence, sewing at a gaudy
square of cloth.

"Did this affair also require the expenditure of sixty thousand
dollars?"

"No, of course not. Didn't I say so before?"

"How much did it need--if I may ask?"

Bostwick colored. He could not escape. He dared not even hint at the
sum he had employed.

"Oh, just the bare expenses of the survey--nothing much."

"Then," she said, "if you don't mind returning my thirty thousand
dollars, I think I'll relinquish my share."

He rose hurriedly.

"But I--but you--it won't be possible--just yet," he stammered. "This
is perfectly absurd! I want you in--want you to retain your interest.
There are certain development expenses--and--they can't be handled
without considerable money."

"Why not use your own? I much prefer to withdraw." She said it
calmly, and looked him in the eye.

He avoided her glance, and paced up and down the room.

"It can't be done!" he said. "I've pledged my support--our support--to
get the claim on its feet."

She grew calmer and colder.

"Wasn't the claim already on its feet. I heard it was paying
well--that quite a lot of gold was seized when--when you and the others
took the place."

His impatience and uneasiness increased.

"Oh, it was being worked--in a pickyune, primitive fashion. We're
going at it right!"

The color came and went in her face. She felt that the man had
employed her money, and could not repay it if he would. She pushed the
point.

"Of course, you'll remember I gave you the money to assist my brother
Glen. It was not to help secure or develop this other property. I
much prefer not to invest my money this way. I shall have to request
its return."

Bostwick was white.

"Look here, Beth, is this some maudlin sentiment over that brigand, Van
Buren? Is that what you mean?"

She rose once more and confronted him angrily. It was not a mere girl,
but a strong and resolute woman he was facing.

"Mr. Bostwick," she said, "you haven't yet acquired the right to demand
such a thing as that of me. For reasons of my own, maudlin or
otherwise, I refuse to have my funds employed in the manner you say you
mean to use them. I insist upon the immediate return to me of thirty
thousand dollars."

If rage at Van Buren consumed his blood, Bostwick's fea