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Next morning he climbed the hill to a level bench where some of his men were busy hauling logs to the top of the skids. It was easier to move the big trunks across the snow, and he had seized the opportunity to get some out, but was surprised when he saw the number ready to be sent down. While he examined them, Charnock, sprinkled with dusty snow, came up, leading a heavy Percheron team.
Men who drove long distances from their lonely farms liked a cheerful talk and to hear the latest joke; others enjoyed a game of cards in the back office when Mrs. Charnock was not about. Besides, it was known that Keller's was straight; one got full weight and value when one dealt there. Trade, moreover, was unusually good.
He suspected broken ribs, but could detect nothing unusual when he felt his comrade's side. Kerr arrived first and looked at Festing. "Unconscious all the time?" he asked, and when Charnock nodded resumed: "Most important thing's to get a doctor, and I'll see to that. Then I'll get some brandy."
"To begin with, if you're writing to your Winnipeg friend, you had better wait a bit." "I'm not writing to Winnipeg; but don't see what this has to do with your visit." "Then you haven't sent off Bob's cheque yet! I mean to get it back." Wilkinson saw that he had made a rash admission. Mrs. Charnock was cleverer than he thought. "If Bob wants it back, why didn't he come himself?"
Charnock's hand shook as he opened the first, it was large and had an official look, and he found a number of unpaid accounts inside. Besides these, there was a lawyer's letter, stating that certain dealers had instructed him to recover payment of the debts Charnock owed. He crushed the letter in his clenched hand and the veins stood out on his forehead, while his face got red.
Not that I want your money, but the thing's humiliating." "Do you think it isn't humiliating to me?" "Perhaps it is," said Charnock, with a half-ashamed look. "I admit I have been something of an ass, but you are mean, in a sense. What are you going to do with your money, if you don't intend to spend it?" "Use if for making more; anyhow, until I get enough." "When will you have enough?"
"Not a bad sort, but I'm puzzled by my satisfaction at getting three dollars more a week. If I wanted a check not long since, I'd only to look penitent and go to Sadie." After this, they sat smoking quietly for a time, and then Charnock drew up his legs and frowned. "What's the matter?" Festing asked. "Nothing much," said Charnock. "I've got a bit of a weakness I don't think you know about.
"An open fire's of no use; I thought about getting a stove," he said, and paused with a dreary smile. "It's lucky I didn't send the order!" "You may need it yet," Charnock replied. "Somehow we'll put the rails down in time." Festing did not answer and picked up a newspaper.
"I came over to talk to Charnock, and if he likes the deal it's not your affair." "It is my affair if you stop him when he's helping me," Festing rejoined. "If he's a fool, he'll talk to you some other time; if he's wise, he won't. Just now I'd sooner you drove off my farm." Wilkinson gave him a curious look. "Very well. I reckon the place is yours; or your wife's." Then he turned to Charnock.
"Though you are hard on them, Charnock I don't know about the fine ladies; but there are quiet folk who will work their fingers to the bone, and can do nothing else." "That's true," said Julius; "and one would gladly find a safe outlet for their diligence." "You do not trust to it for bringing the blessing," said Mr.
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