ing hard to keep
her poise, not loosing her emotions, preserving her dignity with a man
of affairs and phrasing her replies with rather stilted diction. "I have
my good reasons for doing all I can in my poor power to help the Flagg
drive go through."

The fact that her name was Kennard meant nothing to Rufus Craig, a New
Yorker who had never bothered himself with the ancient tales of the Noda
country. He did not understand what interest she could have in opposing
the Comas company; he could see only the ordinary and sordid side of the
affair. He looked her up and down and curled his lip.

"You have been a traitor!"

"Not to the right, sir, when I found out what the right was."

"I think you'll have a chance to say something about that in court, in
your defense! You have put the devil into those men and I'm giving you
warning."

"I shall tell the truth in court, Mr. Craig. You may or you may not
find that promise a warning of my own to you and your corporation
methods."

He blinked and looked away from her. "I'm busy! What are you doing here
on this dam? What do you want of me? Is it more detective work?" he
sneered. "Are you getting ready to double-cross the new gang you're
hitched up with. For what reason you went over to 'em God only knows!"

"He does know!" she returned, earnestly. She stepped closer to him. "I
came down here to plead that you'll let the Flagg logs go through this
dam."

"I will not." His anger had driven him to the extreme of obstinacy.

"Mr. Craig, that stand means a wicked fight between men who are not paid
to fight."

"You've had a lot of influence in making men blow our dams. Use that
influence in keeping 'em away from this one, and there'll be no fight."
He turned away, but she hastened forward and put herself in front of
him.

"I cannot do it, sir! That will be asking our men to give up all they
have been struggling for. I don't know what the law is--or what the law
will say. Please listen to me! Keep the men from fighting--this season!
Then allow the law to put matters right up here. The Flagg logs have
gone down the river every year before this one. The good Lord has
furnished the water for all. Mr. Craig, out of the depths of my heart I
entreat you." She had tried hard to keep womanly weakness away. She
wanted to conduct the affair on the plane of business good sense; but
anxiety was overwhelming her; she broke down and sobbed frankly.

What appeared to be recourse to woman'