ntly boyishly pleased at the recognition, though he did
not conclude the sentence. The man had saluted him as he added to his
comrade, "C'e un maestro d'uomini, non di brutti."

Patricia gave Caesar a quick look and caught his answer. It was as if
some sudden bond of sympathy were tied between them.

Caesar continued skilfully to ply Christopher with questions and
extracted the information that the Patrimondi Company was much
disliked by the big manufacturing powers.

"They say we spoil our men, and their own grumble. They sent me a
deputation to ask us to cancel the Sunday holiday, which they never
grant on contract work, and they feared the result of our example."

"And you politely agreed?" suggested Caesar, watching Patricia.

"I told them to----" again he stopped and laughed; "well, Patricia, I
told them such was the time-honoured custom of my country and
regretted my inability to consider their request."

"I expect they only get into mischief on Sunday."

Caesar flung out this with assumed contempt, but it brought no quick
retort. Christopher answered slowly, with his eyes on the fire.

"We plan excursions for them when there is anything to see or
amusements of some kind. They are like children. If they are not
amused they must needs make mischief."

His voice was rather grave and Aymer knew there must have been
difficulties here of which he did not mean to speak openly.

"It is deplorable if our Roadmaker is going about destroying other
people's comfortable paths. Don't you agree with me, Patricia?"

She flushed up quickly, grasping his meaning at once.

"Not if their paths encroach on weaker people's rights. I think it's
just what is wanted." Then because Caesar laughed, she realised he was
only drawing her, and flung him an appealing glance.

"But we mustn't encourage him openly, Patricia, or he'll leave us no
old tracks at all."

"I'm only the humble instrument of a company," protested Christopher.
"I merely carry out the regulations of my superiors."

"Who are entirely at your mercy, you should add."

Christopher disdained to reply to so obvious a fallacy. Presently,
when he had gone to fetch some drawings to show them, Caesar said
quizzically.

"Has he obliterated any of your pet footpaths, Patricia?"

She shook her head.

"The Company has great confidence in him," he announced gravely.

She looked straight at him. There was a kind intelligence in his eyes,
and he held out his hand to