length of shaft or tunnel for assessment work, as is enforced in the
Klondike, and ask for efficient inspectors to see that such laws as we
have are obeyed."

Foster moved to the window and stood looking down again on the city
lights. Presently he said: "I presume you will see the President while you
are in Washington."

"Probably. He is always interested in the field work up there, and this
season's reconnaissance in the Matanuska coal district should be of
special importance to him just now. The need of a naval coaling station on
the Pacific coast has grown imperative, and with vast bodies of coal
accessible to Prince William Sound, the question of location should soon
be solved."

There was another silence, while Poster walked again to the end of the
room and returned. "How soon do you start east?" he asked.

"Within a week. Meantime, I am going over the Cascades into the sage-brush
country to look up that land of Weatherbee's."

"You intend then," said Foster quickly, "to take that piece of desert off
Mrs. Weatherbee's hands?"

"Perhaps. It depends on the possibility of carrying out his project. I
have just shipped a steam thawing apparatus in to the Aurora, and that,
with supplies for a winter camp, has taken a good deal of ready money.
Freighting runs high, whether it's from the Iditarod or south from
Fairbanks. But spring should see expenses paid and my investment back."