"Yes, yes, we are quite sure of that," he said, with increasing nervousness, "but we are thinking of our own interests as well as yours. Indeed, I feel sure"--here his voice became even more kindly and confidential--"that in advancing your position and prospects we are--I am only doing what will bring myself the greatest satisfaction in the end, for you know, Ranald, I--we do not regard you as a stranger." Ranald winced and grew pale. "We--my family--have always felt toward you as--well, in fact, as if you were one of us."Mr. St. Clair had delivered his last and deadliest blow and it found Ranald's heart, but with pain blanching his cheek Ranald stood up determined to end the fight. It was by no means easy for him to strike. Before him he saw not this man with his ingenious and specious pleading--it would not have been a difficult matter to have brushed him aside--but he was looking into the blue eyes of the woman he had for seven years loved more than he loved his life, and he knew that when his blow fell it would fall upon the face that, only a few hours ago, had smiled upon him, and upon the lips that had whispered to him, "I will remember, Ranald." Yet he was none the less resolved. With face set and bloodless, and eyes of gleaming fire, he faced the man that represented what was at once dearest in life and what was most loathsome in conduct.
"Give me a moment, Mr. St. Clair," he said, with a note of authority in his tone. "You have made me an offer of a position such as I could hardly hope to expect for years to come, but Ivalue it chiefly because it means you have absolute confidence in me; you believe in my ability and in my integrity. I am determined that you will never have cause to change your opinion of me. You are about to complete a deal involving a very large sum of money.
I have a report here," tapping his desk, "which you have not yet seen.""It really doesn't matter!" interjected Mr. St. Clair; "you see, my dear fellow--""It matters to me. It is a report which not only you ought to have, but which, in justice, the buyer of the Bass River Limits ought to see. That report, Mr. St. Clair, ought to be given to Colonel Thorp.""This is sheer folly," exclaimed Mr. St. Clair, impatiently.
"It is the only honorable course."
"Do you mean to insult me, sir?"
"There is only one other thing I would rather not do," said Ranald, in a grave voice, "and that is refuse Colonel Thorp the information he is entitled to from us.""Sir!" exclaimed Mr. St. Clair, "this is outrageous, and I demand an apology or your resignation!""Colonel Thorp," announced a clerk, opening the door.
"Tell Colonel Thorp I cannot--ah, Colonel Thorp, I am glad to see you. Will you step this way?" opening the door leading to his own office.
The colonel, a tall, raw-boned, typical "Uncle Sam," even to the chin whisker and quid of tobacco, had an eye like an eagle. He shot a keen glance at Mr. St. Clair and then at Ranald.
"Yes," he said, helping himself to a chair, "this here's all right.
This is your manager, eh?"
"Mr. Macdonald," said Mr. St. Clair, introducing him.
"How do you do? Heard about you some," said the colonel, shaking hands with him. "Quite a knocker, I believe. Well, you rather look like it. Used to do some myself. Been up north, so the boss says. Good country, eh?""Fine sporting country, Colonel," interrupted St. Clair. "The game, Mr. Macdonald says, come right into your tent and bed to be shot.""Do, eh?" The colonel's eagle eye lighted up. "Now, what sort of game?""Almost every kind, Colonel," replied Ranald.
"Don't say! Used to do a little myself. Moose?""Yes, I saw a number of moose and any amount of other deer and, of course, plenty of bear.""Don't say! How'd you come to leave them? Couldn't have done it myself, by the great Sam! Open timber?""Well," replied Ranald, slowly, "on the east of the Bass River--""All that north country, Colonel," said Mr. St. Clair, "is pretty much the same, I imagine; a little of all kinds.""Much water, streams, and such?"
"Yes, on the west side of the Bass there is plenty of water, a number of small streams and lakes, but--""Oh, all through that north country, Colonel, you are safe in having a canoe in your outfit," said Mr. St. Clair, again interrupting Ranald.
"Lots of water, eh? Just like Maine, ha, ha!" The colonel's quiet chuckle was good to hear.
"Reminds me"--here he put his hand into his inside pocket and pulled out a flask, "excuse the glass," he said, offering it to Mr.
St. Clair, who took a slight sip and handed it back.
"Have a little refreshment," said the colonel, offering it to Ranald.
"I never take it, thank you."
"Don't? Say, by the great Sam, how'd you get through all that wet country? Wall, it will not hurt you to leave it alone," solemnly winking at St. Clair, and taking a long pull himself. "Good for the breath," he continued, putting the flask in his pocket. "Now, about those limits of mine, the boss here has been telling you about our deal?""A little," said Ranald.
"We've hardly had time to look into anything yet," said Mr. St.
Clair; "but if you will step into my office, Colonel, I have the papers and maps there." Mr. St. Clair's tone was anxious. Once more the colonel shot a glance at him.
"You have been on the spot, I judge," he said to Ranald, rising and following Mr. St. Clair.
"Yes, over it all."
"Wall, come along, you're the map we want, eh? Maps are chiefly for purposes of deception, I have found, ha, ha! and there ain't none of 'em right," and he held the door for Ranald to enter.
Mr. St. Clair was evidently annoyed. Unfolding a map he laid it out on the table. "This is the place, I believe," he said, putting his finger down upon the map.
"Ain't surveyed, I judge," said the colonel to Ranald.
