During this colloquy Virginia had held her ground stubbornly, this
though she felt intuitively that it would be the greatest possible
relief to all three of these men if she would go away.

But now a curious struggle as of a divided allegiance was holding her.
Of course, she wanted Mr. Somerville Darrah to win. Since he was its
advocate, his cause must be righteous and just. But against this
dutiful convincement there was a rebellious hope that Winton would not
allow himself to be beaten; or, rather, it was a feeling that she
would never forgive him if he should.

So it was that she stood with face averted lest he should see her eyes
and read the rebellious hope in them. And in spite of the precaution
he both saw and read, and made answer to the Rajah's ultimatum
accordingly.

"Do your worst, Mr. Darrah. We have some twenty miles of steel to lay
to take us into the Carbonate yards. That steel shall go down in spite
of anything you can do to prevent it."

Virginia waited breathless for her uncle's reply to this cool
defiance. Quite contrary to all precedent, it was mildly
expostulatory.

"It grieves me, seh, to find you so determined to cou't failure," he
began; and when the whistle of the upcoming Carbonate train gave him
leave to go on: "Constable, you will find transpo'tation for yourself
and one in the hands of the station agent. Misteh Winton, that is your
train. I wish you good-morning and a pleasant journey. Come, Virginia,