carried Terrace City time, which is
an hour faster than standard. It is the so called daylight saving plan
adopted by many cities and villages in the United States by act of
council. All that, of course, has no bearing on McNabb's options, so
there is nothing for you to do but accept payment and return Orcutt his
money."

"But you were here all the time!" cried Cameron. "And you must have
known what was going on. Why didn't you make yourself known? Why did
you let me go ahead with Orcutt? We could have had the business over
and done with two days ago--and no complications."

Hedin laughed. "You will have to take that up with Mr. McNabb. I was
following out instructions to the letter. And those instructions were
very specific about not closing the deal within half an hour of the
expiration of the options."

"But what was his idea?"

"As I said before, you will have to ask him. He had a reason, you may
be sure. I have noticed in my association with John McNabb that there
is generally a reason for the things that he does--though in many
instances the reason is beyond me."

Cameron's exasperation at the sudden turn of events subsided. He even
managed a smile. "He was within his rights," he admitted, "and as you
say, he must have had a reason. But I don't understand it. Wentworth
was McNabb's man too--until he swung over to Orcutt. Yet he never
suspected you were anything but Murchison's clerk."

Hedin laughed. "The reputation of being a fool doesn't hurt anyone.
It is rather an advantage at times."

"You have played your part well," admitted Cameron. "And McNabb has
played his part well--whatever that part is. Orcutt said he was losing
his grip, was in his dotage. Well, he will not be the first man that
has had to change his mind. He has gone to inspect the mill site and
will return day after to-morrow. Wentworth accompanied him. I imagine
we will have an interesting half-hour when they find out that the deal
is off."

The formalities of payment were soon over with, and the moment they
were completed, Hedin despatched a messenger with a telegram to his
employer.

When John McNabb received the message he grinned broadly, and for
several minutes sat at his desk and stabbed at his blotter with his
pencil point. "So, Orcutt, Wentworth & Company set out to down poor
old John McNabb," he muttered. "I kind of figured rope was all
Wentworth wanted to hang himself with--an' rope's cheap. But Or