vel, Trevison watched the scene. At first all seemed confusion, but
presently he was able to discern that method ruled. For he now observed
that the laborers were divided into "gangs." Some were unloading the
flat-cars, others were "assembling" a stationary engine near the wall of
the butte. They had a roof over it, already. Others were laying tracks
that intersected with the main line; still others were erecting buildings
along the level. They were on Trevison's land--there was no doubt of that.
Moreover, they were erecting their buildings and apparatus at the point
where Trevison himself had contemplated making a start. He saw Corrigan
seated on a box on one of the flat-cars, smoking a cigar; another man,
whom Trevison recognized as Gieger--he would have been willing to swear
the man was one of those who had thwarted his plans in the
courthouse--standing beside him, a Winchester rifle resting in the hollow
of his left arm. Trevison urged Nigger along the level, down the track,
and halted near Corrigan and Gieger. He knew that Corrigan had seen him,
but it pleased the other to pretend that he had not.

"This is your work, Corrigan--I take it?" said Trevison, bluntly.

Corrigan turned slowly. He was a good actor, for he succeeded in getting a
fairly convincing counterfeit of surprise into his face as his gaze fell
on his enemy.

"You have taken it correctly, sir." He smiled blandly, though there was a
snapping alertness in his eyes that belied his apparent calmness. He
turned to Gieger, ignoring Trevison. "Organization is the thing. Pickand
is a genius at it," he said.

Trevison's eyes flamed with rage over this deliberate insult. But in it he
saw a cold design to make him lose his temper. The knowledge brought a
twisting smile to his face.

"You have permission to begin this work, I suppose?"

Corrigan turned again, as though astonished at the persistence of the
other. "Certainly, sir. This work is being done under a court order,
issued this morning. I applied for it yesterday. I am well within my legal
rights, the court having as you are aware, settled the question of the
title."

"You know I have appealed the case?"

"I have not been informed that you have done so. In any event such an
appeal would not prevent me mining the coal on the property, pending the
hearing of the case in the higher court. Judge Lindman has appointed a
receiver, who is bonded; and the work is to proceed under his direction. I
am here