warehouse company; I'll get the buildings later on. That
Mukton Lode deal was a clear skin game, Jack, if it is your uncle, and
A. B. & Co. got paid up for it--downtown and uptown. You ought to hear
the boys at the Magnolia talk about it. My scheme is not that kind;
I'm on the ground floor; got some of the promoter's stock. When you are
through with your railroad contract and get your money, let me know.
I can show you a thing or two;--open your eyes! No Wall Street racket,
remember,--just a plain business deal."

"There won't be much money left over, Garry, from the 'fill' and tunnel
work, if we keep on. We ought to have a cyclone next to finish up with;
we've had about everything else."

"You're all through, Jack," replied Garry with emphasis.

"I'll believe that when I see it," said Jack with a smile.

"I tell you, Jack, YOU ARE ALL THROUGH. Do you understand? Don't ask
me any questions and I won't tell you any lies. The first thing that
strikes you will be a check, and don't you forget it!"

Jack's heart gave a bound. The information had come as a surprise and
without his aid, and yet it was none the less welcome. The dreaded
anxiety was over; he knew now what the verdict of the Council would
be. He had been right from the first in this matter, and Garry had
not failed despite the strong political pressure which must have been
brought against him. The new work now would go on and he and Ruth could
go to Morfordsburg together! He could already see her trim, lovely
figure in silhouette against the morning light, her eyes dancing, her
face aglow in the crisp air of the hills.

Garry continued to talk on as they sped into the city, elaborating the
details of the warehouse venture in which he had invested his present
and some of his future commissions, but his words fell on stony ground.
The expected check was the only thing that filled Jack's thoughts. There
was no doubt in his mind now that the decision would be in MacFarlane's
favor, and that the sum, whether large or small, would be paid without
delay,--Garry being treasurer and a large amount of money being still
due McGowan on the embankment and boulevard. It would be joyous news to
Ruth, he said to himself, with a thrill surging through his heart.

Jack left Garry on the Jersey side and crossed alone. The boy loved
the salt air in his face and the jewelled lights flashed from the
ever-restless sea. He loved, too, the dash and vim of it all. Forcing
his way