stock, thanks. Five thousand
cash, one hundred thousand in a six months, ten per cent note. First
mortgage note. I'm prepared to deliver the goods." He drew a large
envelope from his pocket, pulled out the charter and held it open before
Elijah. "Omnibus goods. A license to pick the gilt knobs off'n the
doors."

"Suppose I take your offer, what certainty have I that this will end
your demands?"

"My word, Berl. 'Honor among, etc.' You know. Besides, the cinch isn't
going to last always. You're going to be able to square yourself with
the Las Cruces. That'll end me. I could make it unpleasant, but what's
the use? Every one goes in sight of the doors sometimes; but it's only
fools who get inside. I know."

Elijah rose slowly and went into the house. A little later, he returned
and handed some papers to Mellin. They were a note for one hundred
thousand dollars and a draft on a San Francisco bank for five thousand.
In the note was this condition. It would be payable three months after
the water should be turned into the main canal of the Las Cruces
company.

Mellin read the note.

"I object to the conditional payment. The water may never be turned on."

"Then you are welcome to the land."

Mellin thought a moment.

"There's something in that."

"Everything," returned Elijah abruptly. "The company has nothing to do
with this business. They will get the water as soon as possible."

Mellin again looked the papers over.

"Keno. Here's your license. It's worth more; but I told you I would be
easy. So long." He shoved the papers into his pocket and started for the
waiting wagon.

Elijah listened in a dazed dream to the crunch of the retreating wheels.
He was not thinking of his crime nor of his temporary escape from its
penalty. He was thinking of Helen Lonsdale, and of the effect of the
knowledge upon her, should this ever come to her.

Mrs. MacGregor reappeared upon the verandah. Elijah handed the charter
to her.

"We have six months in which to redeem ourselves." He offered no
explanation; she asked none. There was no need. The walls of the house
were thin, and moreover the windows were open.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

In the transaction with Mellin, there was one thing that cut Elijah more
deeply than all others. Mellin had insisted that the mortgage be
registered. He was too shrewd to let this pass by. He had a hold upon
Elijah and he had no intention of loosening it without a consideration.
The regis