"There's another matter, Jim," he resumed. "You can't think about
marrying while you stay in the bush."

"I don't know that I want to marry. I couldn't support a wife."

"Why not, if you chose a wife with money?"

"Then she'd have to support me. Besides, I expect it would be hard to
find a rich girl willing to marry a poor engineer."

Allott made a sign of impatience. "Let's be frank! The matter's
delicate, and perhaps requires a lighter touch than mine, but I
understand that Helen has given you a hint."

"She has," said Thirlwell, with some grimness. "I hoped you'd both let
the thing go when she saw my attitude."

"We'll let it go after the next few minutes, if you like, but there is
something to be said. Evelyn is an attractive girl, and has some money;
besides which, Sir James would approve her marrying you. He has hinted
that he'll give you a chance of making your mark in England if he is
satisfied. Evelyn's relations know this, and it was significant that
they agreed when Helen invited her to join us. As the girl consented, I
might perhaps go farther--"

Thirlwell stopped him. "Why is Sir James anxious to help me?"

"We can only guess. Perhaps he feels you have a claim and he has
neglected you. Then he may think you will do him credit and realize the
ambitions he's getting too old to carry out. He has noted that you have