ung friend
here told me was like some one stepping on my gouty foot. I've been
maybe a little too zealous--too exacting. Then I'm old and testy... What
does it matter? How could it have been prevented? Alas! it's black
like that hideous Benton... But we're coming out into the light. Lodge,
didn't you tell me this Number Ten bridge was the last obstacle?"

"I did. The rails will go down now fast and straight till they meet out
there in Utah! Soon!"

Warburton became composed. The red died out of his face. He looked at
Neale.

"Young man, can YOU put permanent piers in that sink-hole?"

"Yes. They are started, on bed-rock," replied Neale.

"Bed-rock!" he repeated, and remained gazing at Neale fixedly. Then he
turned to Lodge. "Do you remember that wild red-head cowboy--Neale's
friend--when he said, 'I reckon thet's aboot all?'... I'll never forget
him... Lodge, say we have Lee and his friend Senator Dunn come in, and
get it over. An' thet'll be aboot all!"

"Thank Heaven!" replied the chief, fervently. He called to his porter,
but as no one replied, General Lodge rose and went into the next car.

Neale had experienced a disturbing sensation in his breast. Lee! Allison
Lee! The mere name made him shake. He could not understand, but he felt
there was more reason for its effect on him than his relation to Allison
Lee as a contractor. Somewhere there was a man named Lee who was Allie's
father, and Neale knew he would meet him some day.

Then when the chief walked back into the car with several frock-coated
individuals, Neale did recognize in the pale face of one a resemblance
to the girl he loved.

There were no greetings. This situation had no formalities. Warburton
faced them and he seemed neither cold nor hot.

"Mr. Lee, as a director of the road I have to inform you that, following
the reports of our engineer here, your present contracts are void and
you will not get any more."

A white radiance of rage swiftly transformed Allison Lee. His eyes
seemed to blaze purple out of his white face.

And Neale knew him to be Allie's father--saw the beauty and fire of her
eyes in his.

"Warburton! You'll reconsider. I have great influence--"

"To hell with your influence!" retorted Warburton, the lion in him
rising. "The builders--the directors--the owners of the U. P. R. are
right here in this car. Do you understand that? Do you demand that I
call a spade a spade?"

"I have been appointed by Congress. I will--"