me. Then I'd a year or two in a merchant's office and cheap lodgings,
and when I'd had enough of both came out to Canada with about five
pounds. You know how I've lived here."

Featherstone gave him an amused glance. "You needn't let that trouble
you. It's curious, but the bush seems to bring out the best that's in
a man. I can't see why getting wet and half frozen, working fourteen
hours a day, and often going without your dinner, should have a
refining influence, but it has. Besides, I'm inclined to think you
have learned more in the Northwest than they could have taught you at
an English university. Anyhow, you'll find my people aren't hard to
please."

"When are you going to California?" Foster, who felt half embarrassed,
asked.

"Let's fix Thursday next, and I'll start with you."

"But I'm going east, and your way's by Vancouver."

"Just so," said Featherstone dryly. "For all that, I think I'll start
east, and then get on to a west-bound train at a station down the line.
The folks at the Crossing know I'm going home, and I don't want to put
Daly on my track." He smoked in silence for a few moments, and then
added: "I wonder whether Austin helped the fellow to get after me?"

Foster looked up with surprise, but admitted that his partner might be
right. Austin was a real-estate agent who now and then speculated in
lumber and mineral claims. He had some influence at the Crossing
where, however, he was more feared than liked, since he lent money and