e you his partner and associate in all his enterprises. He says
you are to become one of our 'great men of affairs,' and that he means
to have you 'with him' in all his undertakings for the development of
our splendid western country."

When the voluble woman ceased, Guilford Duncan wondered whence she had
got her speech.

"Tandy could never have composed it," he was sure. "She must have done
it herself. But, of course, Tandy gave her the 'points.' She is a very
clever woman. I remember it was she who invited Barbara as a guest of
honor at some sort of a function three days after Barbara appeared at
the fancy dress ball. She had never noticed her before. That woman is of
a superior kind--in her way. I can't imagine a wife better 'fit' for a
man like Tandy. All the same I don't mean to let her 'take up' Barbara.
She's far too 'smart.' She isn't Barbara's sort."

"Now, I've ordered coffee and cigars for you gentlemen," said Mrs.
Tandy, as she arose to leave. "Of course you want to 'talk business,'
and when business is on the tapis we women folk must retire to our
rooms. Business is our greatest rival and enemy, Mr. Duncan. On this
occasion I not only take myself out of the way, but I have bidden my two
sisters remain in the dining room until you two gentlemen shall have
finished your talk. After that--perhaps ten o'clock will suit you--you
are to come into the dining room, if you are gracious enough, and have a
little supper."

Duncan bowed, in implication of a promise, which he was not destined to
fulfill.

When the gracious gentlewoman had left the room, Napper Tandy came at
once to the subject in hand.

"I'm more than glad, Duncan," he lyingly said, "that these financial
people have asked you to examine and report upon this scheme of
extension. You are so heartily in sympathy with every enterprise that
looks to the development of our western country, and your intelligence
is so superbly well informed that of course a project like this appeals
to you."

"It does not appeal to me at all, Mr. Tandy," answered Duncan with a
frankness that was the more brutal because it was his first word after
Mrs. Tandy's flattering appeal.

"I do not think well of the extension. It----"

"Pardon me for interrupting," interposed Tandy, in fear that Duncan
might commit himself beyond recall against the scheme. "Pardon me for
interrupting, but you must see that the Redwood mines, in which, I
understand, you own fifteen per cent.