antly
cautioned him not to touch anything, or try to start the machinery
himself, as he might lose control of the gauge and break the saw, or
let the power run away with him. George scoffed at the idea of danger
and laughed at the simplicity of the engine and machinery. There was
little for him to do. He hated to be seen cleaning up the debris; men
who stopped in passing kept telling what a fine fellow young Bates was,
what good timber he was sending in. Several of them told George
frankly they thought that was to be his job. He was so ashamed of
that, he began instant improvisation.

"That was the way we first planned things," he said boastfully, "but
when it came to working out our plans, we found I would be needed here
till I learned the business, and then I'm going on the road. I am
going to be the salesman. To travel, dress well, eat well, flirt with
the pretty girls, and take big lumber orders will just about suit
little old Georgie."

"Wonder you remembered to put the orders in at all," said Jim Milton
dryly.

George glared at him. "Well, just remember whom you take orders from,"
he said, pompously.

"I take them from Mrs. Holt, and nobody else," said Milton, with equal
assurance. "And I've yet to hear her say the first word about this
wonderful travelling proposition. She thinks she will do well to fill
home orders and ship to a couple of factories she already has contracts
with. Sure you didn't dream that travelling proposition, George?"

At that instant George wished he could slay Jim Milton. All day he
brooded and grew sullen and ugly. By noon he quit working and went
down town. By suppertime he went home to prove to his wife that he was
all right. She happened to be coming across from the mill, where she
had helped Milton lay the first fire under the boiler ready to touch
off, and had seen the first log on the set carriage. It had been
agreed that she was to come over at opening time in the morning and
start the machinery. She was a proud and eager woman when she crossed
the bridge and started down the street toward the gate. From the
opposite direction came George, so unsteady that he was running into
tree boxes, then lifting his hat and apologizing to them for his
awkwardness. Kate saw at a glance that he might fall any instant. Her
only thought was to help him from the street, to where children would
not see him.

She went to him and taking his arm started down the walk with hi