books, came out, looking grave; he had worn a serious air since their
arrival.

"There'll have to be a change," he said. "Dick's accounts have given
me something to think about. I believe I'm beginning to understand now
how his money went."

"I suppose you haven't got the new program cut and dried yet?" Edgar
suggested.

George was seldom precipitate.

"No," he answered. "I've a few ideas in my mind."

"Won't you have some trouble about finances, if the alterations are
extensive?"

"I'll have to draw on my private account, unless Herbert will assist."

"Herbert won't do anything of the kind," said Edgar decidedly.

George, making no answer, called Grierson from the stable.

"You'll drive in to the settlement after breakfast to-morrow, Tom," he
said. "Tell the man I'll keep the team, if he'll knock off twenty
dollars, and he can have his check when he likes. Then bring out the
flour and groceries."

"I suppose I won't be going in again for a while; we'll be too busy?"

"It's very likely," said Edgar, knowing his comrade's temperament.

"Then I wonder if I could draw a pound or two?" asked Grierson
diffidently.

"Why?" George questioned him. "The Immigration people would see that
you had some money before they let you in."

"I've four pounds now; I want to send something home at once."

"Ah!" said George. "I see. How much did you leave your wife?"

"About three pounds, sir; I had to bring enough to pass me at Quebec."

"Then if you give me what you have, I'll let you have a check for twice
as much on an English bank. Better get your letter written."

Grierson's look was very expressive as he turned away with a word of
thanks; and Edgar smiled at George.

"You have bought that fellow--for an advance of four pounds," he said.

George showed a little embarrassment.

"I was thinking of the woman," he explained.

Then he pointed to the prairie.

"There's a rig coming. It looks like visitors."

Soon afterward, Grant, whom they had met on the train, drew up his team
and helped his daughter down.

"We were passing and thought we'd look in," he said. "Found out
yesterday that you were located here."

George called Grierson to take the team, and leading the new arrivals
to the house, which was still in disorder, he found them seats in the
kitchen. It was rather roughly and inadequately furnished, and Edgar
had decided that Sylvia had spent little of her time there. After they
had talke