back that man to put through just whatever he sets his mind
upon."

As Bransome spoke, the subject of this encomium came up from the little
gorge by the lake outlet, and it struck Helen Savine that the rock
worker had changed to advantage since she first saw him. His keen
eyes, which she had noticed were quick to flash with anger, had grown
more kindly and the bronzed face was more reposeful. The thin jean
garments and great knee boots, which had no longer any rents in them,
suited the well-proportioned frame.

"I was disappointed about the electric firing gear ordered from
Vancouver, but I think the coupled time-fuses should serve almost as
well," said Thurston, acknowledging Helen's presence with a bow that
was significant. "You appear interested, Miss Savine. We are trusting
to the shock of a number of charges fired simultaneously, and perhaps
you had better retire nearer the bush, for the blast will be powerful.
I should like your good wishes, since you are in a measure responsible
for this venture. You will remember you gave me my first commission."

"You have them!" said Helen, with a frank sincerity, for though the man
was a mere enterprising laborer, she was too proud to assume any air of
condescension. She was Helen Savine, and considered that she had no
need to maintain her dignity.

Geoffrey returned a conventional answer, and there was a buzz of voices
as he and Bransome walked back together towards the gorge. The rancher
halted discreetly when his companion, taking a brand from a fire near
it, clambered over the boulders. Geoffrey disappeared among the rocks,
and the voices grew louder when he came into view again walking
hurriedly.

Several trails of thin blue vapor began to crawl in and out among the
rocks. Bransome joined Thurston, and both men broke into a smart trot.
They were heading for the bush until Geoffrey, halting near it, ran
back at full speed towards the gorge. All who watched him were
astonished, for they were already bracing themselves to face the heavy
shock.

"He's mad--stark mad!" roared Graham. "Come back for your life,
Bransome. It's smashed into small pieces both of you will be," and the
eyes of the spectators grew wide as they watched the two running
figures, for the rancher also had turned, and the lines of vapor were
creeping with ominous swiftness across the face of the stone.

There was a roar as the behind man clutched at the other, missed him,
and staggere