es across slippery gravel.
Carrie had not grumbled, but it was rough work and Jim knew she must
have felt some strain.

"She oughtn't to have come," he said. "Why weren't you firm?"

"I've a notion you agreed; but if you imagine I could have kept her
back, you don't know Carrie yet. Anyhow, the bad weather won't last
and we must make the head of the wire soon. Summer's short."

Jim nodded. They had grounds for speed that disturbed them both.
Supplies and transport had cost more than they calculated; wages were
high, and their money was running out. It was obviously needful to
push on the work until enough of the line was finished to justify their
asking for some payment. While Jim mused a man came in. The stranger
was big, and looked rather truculent, although he wore neat
store-clothes and new long boots. His glance was quick and got
ironical when he fixed his eyes on Jake.

"Been some time beating it from the railroad, haven't you?" he asked.

"I expect the trip has been made in better time," Jake admitted. "We
struck a number of wash-outs and didn't want to leave our truck along
the road."

"You were short of transport."

"We had all we could pay for. Transport comes high."

"When you leave the railroad, everything comes high, as you're going to
find out. Guess your trouble is you haven't enough capital."

"The trouble's pretty common," Jake rejoined. "You don't find rich men
hitting the trail to the woods."

"A sure thing," said the other. "Well, you're not going to get rich
cutting the new telegraph line. Your outfit's not strong enough; you
haven't stores and tools. Tell you what I'll do; I'll give you seven
hundred and fifty dollars to let up."

"I don't know if you're generous or if you're rash," Jake remarked with
a twinkle. "The truck we're hauling in cost us more than that."

"I'll take it at a valuation and you can find the men to fix the price."

Jake looked at Jim, who pondered and hesitated. He was dispirited and
tired, and felt that the chance of their carrying out the contract was
not good. It would be something of a relief to get their money back.

"I don't know who you are and why you want to buy us off," he said.

"Then I'll put you wise. I'm Probyn, Cartner and Dawson's man. They
wanted the new branch-line job, and if you get out, it, will go to
them. Anyhow, you can't put it over. The bush is thick in the valley
and there's loose gravel on the range that will