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He did not remember some of the ridges and ragged blocks over which they stumbled, and the smaller rents seemed more numerous. It was evident that Crestwick was badly worn out and they must endeavor to reach the bank with as little delay as possible. At last they came to the broad crevasse, farther up the stream, and Lisle turned to Crestwick. "Better take off your skin-coat. You'll have to jump."
He looked up as a burst of laughter rose from beside the nets and saw Bella Crestwick walk away from them. One or two of the others stood looking after her, and Mrs. Gladwyne glanced from her chair inquiringly. "They seem amused," she said. "It was probably at one of Miss Crestwick's remarks; she's undoubtedly original," returned Millicent. "Still, I think it was chiefly Mr.
Lisle was slightly embarrassed by their ministrations, but Crestwick openly enjoyed them. "Put the plate where I can reach it easily," he bade his sister. "Look how you have placed that cup; if I move, it will spill!" "You have more courage than I have, Jim," Carew remarked with a smile. "I've needed it," the lad declared. "I've borne enough from Bella in my time.
As it's an outside event of no importance, I haven't fixed on my man yet." They walked back toward the starting-point, where Gladwyne was waiting, with Batley and Crestwick in attendance. As they approached it, Millicent joined them. "Are you going to ride to-day?" she asked Lisle. "Nasmyth insists," was the answer. "I'm afraid I won't do him much credit." Gladwyne looked up with a slight frown.
Batley, however, was frowning openly; and the two men's expressions had a meaning for him. He was inclined to wonder whether he had used force too ostensibly in ejecting the lad; but, after all, that did not very much matter his excuse was good enough. As they went down the stairs, Crestwick turned to him, hot and angry. "It strikes me you're pretty officious!
"A little while ago you'd have taken Carew's delight for granted, wouldn't you?" "I'm beginning to see things," Crestwick answered with a wave of his hand. Then he paused and looked confused. "After all, though she says I'm to give you the message, Bella really goes too far now and then." "She doesn't always mean it. You may as well obey her."
Besides, you're improving; in a year or two you'll make quite a reliable prospector's packer." "That's something," replied Crestwick, grinning. "Not long ago I thought I'd make a sportsman; one of Gladwyne's kind. The ambition doesn't so much appeal to me now. But I want to be rather more than a looker-on. Can't you let me put something into one of these claims?" "Not a cent!
Nasmyth leaped in knee-deep, with Crestwick behind him, and gripping the loosely-hanging arm of the body Batley was supporting, he asked hoarsely: "Who is it?" "Lisle!" was the breathless answer. "Help me to get him out!" They dragged him up the beach and let him sink down. He lay upon the shingle, silent and inert. "Make a fire, Jim!" commanded Batley. "Lift his shoulder a bit, Nasmyth!
The temptation to leave Jim Crestwick to his fate was strong, but his pity for the anxious girl was stronger. "I'll have a talk with Gladwyne," he promised. "That wouldn't be of the least use!" "I think he'll do what I suggest," Lisle answered with a trace of grimness. "Make your mind easy; I'll have Batley stopped." She looked at him in surprise, filled with relief and gratitude.
"Quite so," was the cheerful answer. "I'll be a director of this company before I've finished. You can't stop my buying shares when I come into my property." Lisle was conscious of some relief. It was a laudable ambition and Crestwick promised to be much less of a responsibility than he had once anticipated. "I've a letter from Bella," Lisle told him.
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