ly. "But my government doesn't live
here. What have I got to do with it?"

"I don't know, but, by virtue of pressure you will exert, the
Government must help. What's the Liberal majority in Ontario?"

"One. I'm it."

"Then you keep the Premier in power, and he's hanging on to power like
grim death."

"But I don't see--"

"It's simple enough. If you settle this affair to the satisfaction of
local people, you'll secure Algoma to the Liberal party, so long as
that party wants it."

"By God!" said Semple, startled.

Clark apparently did not hear him. "There's another thing--to set
those works in motion again will be the biggest advertisement any
government in Canada ever had. It will swing the labor vote--it will
secure the merchants' support." He paused, then leant forward and
poured into Semple the full pressure--the accumulated effort of mind
and spirit. "Ample security is available. I will make repayment the
first obligation of the Company--it will forestall bonds and everything
else. What I want, and what you will find for me, is only a fraction
of the sum that has been put straight into this Province; and it's not
much more than we have already paid in mineral and lumber dues and
taxes."

"How much?" said Semple in a fascinated whisper.

"Two million dollars."

"But--"

"There aren't any buts."

"Do you owe that in wages?" Semple was aghast.

"Wages are only a small part of what must be paid at once."

"Where does Philadelphia come in?"

"Philadelphia," smiled Clark, "has left the entire matter to me in the
meantime. They are making arrangements which may not be consummated
for some months. We can thank a prominent American speculator for most
of this. But the Province of Ontario owes us something. Doesn't it
occur to you," he added slowly, "how your personal reputation will be
affected?"

Semple blinked several times and very rapidly. "I'll wire at once," he
said, with a long breath.

"You'll do nothing of the kind. You'll go down yourself this
afternoon. You know your man, and I know him; and he knows the works.
He's been here several times. Put the matter straight,--tell him that
we are dealing with forces that can only be met in one way. It's
either this, or destruction and bloodshed. I've asked Filmer to wire
for troops. Mr. Semple, what you are about to make is a new move on
the chessboard. Your man is shrewd enough to see it, and it's the new
moves that win. Thi