much can be done, and I must be ready to break new soil for planting in
the spring."

"You are spending a good deal of money," Mrs. Farnam interrupted. "You
haven't been paid for the last shipments to England yet."

"Mabel's cautious," Farnam remarked to Agatha. "She's a pretty good
business woman, but doesn't understand that the more you spend on your
job the more you get. Anyhow, you ought to get more, but I admit you're
sometimes badly stung." Then he turned to his wife. "I must go up and
see the shippers in Montreal; in fact, now you have Agatha with you, I
think I'll start to-morrow."

"Very well," said Mrs. Farnam. "I hate to be left alone, particularly
when the nights are long." She indicated the teamster. "I see you have
hired another man; that's a fresh extravagance. How long have you had
him?"

"A week or two; thought I told you when he came. He's a pretty good
worker."

"You didn't tell me; I imagine you didn't want me to know! He's
certainly not what the boys call a looker and his face doesn't inspire
me with much confidence. Besides, he's lame."

Agatha glanced at the man, who came towards them, walking with a slight
limp beside his horses as they hauled the log across the snow. He had a
sullen air and did not look up as he passed.

"He is not handsome," she agreed, and asked: "Where do the men live?"