ave you heard
from Tom?"

Alton's face grew a trifle graver. "He and more of the boys are
sitting on the claim, and there's another crowd camped down with stakes
ready right in front of him. He tells me he finds it hard to keep his
hands off them, and I'd have gone up only that I'm waiting for the
Crown folks' decision."

"I think they can only declare the claim open," said Forel, "and that
being so they couldn't well send you an intimation before they made the
fact public."

Nobody said anything for a little. Forel had told them nothing new,
and they could guess at the suspense Alton had been enduring, for the
decision of the Crown authorities meant a good deal to all of them. If
the claim were declared open, the first man to restake it and get in
his papers could take possession.

"It would be dreadful if Harry lost it," said Mrs. Seaforth. "Still, I
don't think he will."

Alton laughed a little. "I don't mean to if I can help it," he said.
"I've had Thomson prospecting for the fastest road down, and he has
found one that is rideable."

Forel nodded. "That reminds," he said. "Hettie wants to get away from
the city, and I thought of taking her and Miss Deringham up to Somasco.
You will lend us the house for a week or two?"

"Of course," said Alton. "Go as soon as it's possible. I want a man
with a business grip up there. My head will scarcely hold all the
things I've been trying to cram into it lately."

Mrs. Seaforth glanced at him with a little smile of sympathy, for
although the Somasco affairs looked a little more promising now, Alton
had been doing the work of several men, and the strain had told on him.
She also remembered her husband's sleepless nights.

"We shall all be glad when the anxiety is over, but one can't help
thinking that you men have the best of it now and then," she said. "At
least you can work--while we can only sit still."

Forel smiled upon her. "Well," he said, without reflection, "there is
one woman who has done a good deal for Somasco."

He saw his blunder next moment, for Alton rose up suddenly. "I would
like to hear that again," he said.

Forel was manifestly uncomfortable, but he glanced towards Mrs.
Seaforth as he said, "I think Charley will back me up."

"Of course," said Seaforth, whose tone, however, chiefly expressed
bewilderment; but Alton made a little forceful gesture.

"Pshaw!" he said. "You're fooling, Forel, and you would never disclose
who your