Part 17 (1/2)

”You'll go?” he said, and then laid a sheet of paper on the table.

”Here's my notion of costs, capital, salaries, and general expenses.

Kind of prospectus. Shows the usual twenty-per-cent. profit--only we're going to make it.”

It was quite clear that he meant it, for this was a man who had a full share of the optimism which characterizes most of the inhabitants of the Pacific Slope. He smiled rea.s.suringly at his companions; but there was silence for several minutes while Leeson examined the paper and then pa.s.sed it to Forster. Jimmy, who felt that his opinion would not be particularly valuable, and had noticed the little smile in Valentine's eyes, sat still, looking out through the open window at the shadowy bush beyond Forster's orchard.

It cut, vague and black and mysterious, against the wondrous green and saffron glow of the sunset, and the little trail that wound away into it had just then a curious interest for him. He wondered where it led, and how long it wandered through the dim shadow before it came out again into the garish brilliancy. The thing seemed an allegory, for when he came into that country and flung his career away he had felt lost and adrift, without a mark to guide him, while now Jordan and those others were about to set his feet on the trail. It must lead somewhere, as all trails resolutely followed do, though now and then they plunge into tangles of mora.s.ses where the rotting pines fall or climb the snow-barred pa.s.ses of towering ranges. He had a curious confidence in the daring American. Still, he felt that in all probability there was a long and difficult march in front of him and the little party then sitting in the slowly darkening room of Forster's ranch. It was Leeson who spoke first.

”There are men who would call the whole thing crazy, and they'd have some reason for doing so,” he said. ”Most of us know what Merril is.”

It was evident that his opinion carried weight, and Jimmy, who felt a growing tension, saw the sudden, eagerness in Jordan's face.

”No,” he said, ”that's just where you're wrong. We know what he pretends to be; and if a man puts up a big enough bluff, most people back down and don't ask him to make it good. You see the point of it?”

Leeson made a little half-impatient gesture. ”What d'you figure on putting in, Mr. Jordan?”

”Ten thousand dollars.”

Leeson said nothing, but glanced at Forster wrinkling his brows.

”I might manage five thousand,” said the rancher. ”I haven't found clearing virgin bush a very profitable occupation, and I want more than the interest I'm getting from the bank. Mr. Jordan has naturally talked over the thing with me before, and I fancy his scheme is workable; but, as I don't know a great deal about these matters, I'd very much like to hear what your opinion of it is.”

He glanced inquiringly at Leeson, and it was evident to Jimmy that the success or failure of the project depended on what the latter said. He sat silent again for almost a minute, drumming on the table.

”Well,” he said, ”you'll be told it's a fool game. Most of the men in Vancouver City would consider that a sure thing--but I'm putting in fifteen thousand dollars.”

Jimmy saw his comrade's face relax and a little exultant sparkle creep into his eyes, while he felt his own heart beat a trifle faster. Then Valentine, who had not spoken yet, turned to the rest. ”In that case I guess we can consider the thing feasible,” he said. ”If the sum isn't beneath your notice, I'll venture a thousand dollars.”

”What has given you a hankering after twenty per cent.?” asked Jordan.

”It is not so very long since you told me that the sea, which cost nothing, was enough for you.”

Valentine laughed. ”I rather think it's the occupation that appeals to me. Charterers have a trick of treading on one's toes occasionally, and I don't think I should take kindly to business as it appears to be carried on in the neighboring city. One can, however, talk to the bush-ranchers intelligently. In any case, I shouldn't regard that twenty per cent. as a certainty.”

Jordan grinned good-humoredly, but there was a twinkle of keener appreciation in Forster's eyes. ”There is a good deal the bush can teach the man who wants to understand,” he said. ”I dare say you are right, Mr. Valentine.”

”Well,” said Jordan dryly, ”the only use I ever had for the bush was as a place for growing saw-logs; but while talk of this kind has nothing to do with business, there's something I want to mention. I met Austerly not long ago, and he wants to see you and Jim Wheelock when you can make it convenient, Valentine. Now, if you'll keep quiet a few minutes, I'll get on a little.”

He went on for a considerable time, with features hardening into intentness and dark eyes scintillating, and when at last he stopped, Leeson made a sign of concurrence. Then questions were asked and answered, and afterward Forster, who pa.s.sed the decanter to his guests, stood up.

”Since Mr. Jordan fancies he can raise another few thousand dollars privately if it's wanted, we can consider the affair arranged,” he said.

”Here's prosperity to The _Shasta_ Steam s.h.i.+pping Company!”

It was growing dusk when they drank the toast in the big shadowy room, and, as he glanced at his companions, Jimmy was momentarily troubled with a sense of his and their insignificance. There were only four of them, and none of them, with the possible exception of old Leeson, were men of capital, while he had an uneasy feeling that in view of Merril's opposition it was a very big thing they had undertaken. Leeson set his wine-gla.s.s down and shook his head.

”We're going to have to fight for it,” he said.

Then the group broke up, and Jimmy, who strolled away to ask for Mrs.