at go. The trouble is,
I'm obstinate and sure of what I can do--at least, I was, though my
confidence has got shaken recently. Well, I think I can finish this
contract, but don't know. I've lost a good deal of money, and would hate
to feel I might lose yours."

"That's the line you took with Helen," Charnock rejoined. "I'm not
surprised that she was vexed, and since we're being frank, you're
a little too proud of yourself yet. Anyhow, I like a plunge; it's
exhilarating, and there's not much excitement in betting on a
certainty." He paused and resumed with a twinkle: "Besides, if there is
a loss, Sadie will stand for it."

Festing gave him a puzzled look, and he laughed.

"You don't understand yet? You're dull, Stephen. Now I'm not a greedy
fellow, and my chief use for dollars is to spend them. I want to
take back some money to show Sadie I've made good, and if we put this
contract over she'll be satisfied and you'll have her gratitude. That's
why I mean to make a job if I join you, and I imagine you're with me
there. Well, perhaps I've said enough. Is it a bargain?"

"Yes," said Festing quietly, and they shook hands.

CHAPTER XXIII

CHARNOCK MAKES PROGRESS

Deep snow covered the hillside and the pines, with lower branches bent,
rose in somber spires against the dazzling background. The river had
shrunk and the dark water rolled in angry turmoil between ice-glazed
rocks. Streaks of gray haze rose a foot or two into the nipping air, and
the clash of shovels had a new, harsh ring. It was nearly dinner time,
and Festing noted that his men had not done much since breakfast as he
walked down the beaten hollow in the middle of the track. One could not
tell how long the cold-snap would last, but it had already embarrassed
him.

He stopped above an excavation where Charnock and another were cutting
a hole in the frozen gravel. The former held a steel bar in blue,
frost-cracked hands and twisted it in the cavity while his companion
struck the end. He knelt, in a cramped pose, in the snow, and Festing
smiled. Bob was fond of comfort, and it was strange to see him occupied
like this. Then, noting the length of the bar, he thought they would not
sink the hole deep enough for the blasting charge before dinner, which
was unfortunate, because the powder fumes are poisonous and would hang
about the spot for some time.

A few moments later the whistle blew, but Charnock and his companion did
not stop, and Festing heard th