ntitled to feel some
curiosity."

Bernard smiled. "Suppose you think about me as an old man who would
like to be your friend."

"I'm sorry, sir," said Jim. "We're an independent lot in Canada and
I've fought for my own hand since I was a boy. Anyhow, I mean to marry
Evelyn, if she is willing."

"It looks as if you had not asked her yet."

"I have not; I'm half-afraid. In one way, it would be a rash plunge
for a girl like Evelyn. Though I've inherited Langrigg, I'm a Western
adventurer; I've lived with rough men in the wilds. She's refined and
cultivated. Well, I've gone slow, trying to persuade myself I was
justified before I persuaded her. Then I wanted her, so to speak, to
get used to me."

"You are modest," Bernard remarked. "You imply that Evelyn does not
know."

"I don't think she knows. I have been cautious. If I hinted at my
hopes too soon, she might get disturbed and alarmed."

Bernard smiled. "Well, perhaps you have taken a prudent line. But do
you imagine your reserve has deceived Janet Halliday?"

"Perhaps it has not; Mrs. Halliday is clever. I think she is my
friend."

"It's possible," Bernard agreed, with a touch of ironical humor. "How
long do you think you must give Evelyn, in order to avoid the jar she
might get if you prematurely revealed your hopes?"

Jim knitted his brows. He was used to Bernard's cynical dryness and
trusted him. "It will be longer than I thought," he answered, grimly.
"I have had a bad set-back."

He told Bernard about the risk of his losing his money, and the latter
was silent for a minute or two. Then he remarked: "I suppose you see
that if I thought it a good plan I could help you out."

"That is not why I told you," said Jim. "I could not take your help."

"I imagined you would not. Well, perhaps your frankness accounts for
our friendship. You are unembarrassed because you have no grounds for
indulging my caprices and expect nothing from me."

Jim made a little abrupt movement. He had once said something like
that; to Mordaunt, he thought.

"Very well," Bernard resumed. "If you think I can help, I am willing;
but I will not insist."

"Thank you," said Jim, "I must trust my own efforts."

Bernard lighted a cigar and pondered. He was satisfied and somewhat
amused. It would not have cost him much to banish Jim's difficulties
and he would have liked to earn his gratitude, but was glad the other
had refused. It was better that Jim's tro