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Updated: June 23, 2025
"Festing's a bit of a sucker and doesn't know. He's scared about the big crop he has sown and thinks of nothing but the weather and his farm, while Bob goes over when he's off at work. But I guess there's trouble coming soon." "It's coming now," said somebody, and Wilkinson's jaw fell slack, and he sat with his mouth open as Festing strode into the room.
"Go for Kerr, one of you," he said. "Then I want the stretcher and a hand-sledge. Bring a blast-lamp; ours is smashed." The men scattered, except for one who stayed with him, and kneeling in the snow he opened Festing's fur-coat and took off his cap. His head was cut and his arm broken, but Charnock did not think this altogether accounted for his unconsciousness.
I told the cook to fix up something extra, and dare say you'll find it better hash than yours. I'd like you to come back to-morrow, but am afraid it's risky." The frost got more rigorous, drying the snow to a dusty powder in which Festing's lumber gang floundered awkwardly.
The sounds of keen activity stirred Festing's blood. He had a touch of constructive genius, but lack of specialized training had forced him into the ranks of the pioneers. Others must add the artistic finish and divide the prizes of ultimate victory; his part was to rough out the work and clear the way.
Charnock felt better next morning and luck favored him. An accident to the gravel train disorganized the work, and he and some others were dismissed for the afternoon. He went to Festing's shack, and making himself comfortable by the fire, opened a tattered book and enjoyed several hours of luxurious idleness.
Festing looked up sharply. Kerr was his superior in the company's service, but they were on good terms. "I haven't heard. I'm anxious to know." Kerr told him, and Festing's face hardened. "So Marvin and I go on to the next prairie section! Since they want the best men on the difficult work in the mountains, it means that we're passed over." "It does, in a sense," Kerr agreed.
Two or three had fallen, and the edges of the others were a little out of line. The unevenness was marked, and although one or two of the heads of the timbers had moved, the movement might not have caught Festing's eye had he not known the treacherous nature of their support. He did not think anybody else would notice that they were not quite in their proper place.
The door was open and the light reflected from the snow was strong. Charnock was glad of this, because he wanted to see the smith, who presently dropped his hammer and leaned against the hearth. "How's your partner getting on?" he asked. "Mr. Festing's the kind of man I like; I was sorry to hear he had got hurt." Charnock studied the man.
The ground was wet and slippery and their task looked almost beyond their strength, but Charnock knew he would get into trouble if he were seen going to their help. Since he was not in view of the foreman where he stood on top of the bank, it was prudent to remain there. The log swayed as its point caught a stone, and Festing's hands slipped on the muddy bank.
However, what are you going to do about it if we can't put the rails down as soon as you want?" "We'll make the bosses break your contract." Charnock pondered, keeping his hand on Festing's arm, because he thought he could handle the matter better than his comrade. Festing was too blunt and sometimes got angry.
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