Part 29 (2/2)

”We couldn't attempt it alone. Our idea is to ask for a general levy.”

Mowbray nodded, for when they improved the roads at Allenwood the settlers were called upon to supply labor or money according to the size of their farms.

”By making an effort we might get the trail cut and the bridge built before the frost stops us,” Kenwyne said. ”We couldn't finish the grading, but the snow would give us a pretty good surface for hauling our wheat over. The new crossing would save us nearly three miles on the journey to the railroad, and we ought to get a good load up the easier incline without doubling the teams.”

Mowbray's suspicions grew.

”We have not found the longer distance an insurmountable disadvantage so far. Why should it trouble you so much now?”

”Some of us have bigger crops this year,” Broadwood said.

”Do you think this justifies your taxing your neighbors?”

”No,” Broadwood answered incautiously. ”We expect they'll follow our example, and have as much grain as we have next season.”

”I see!” Mowbray frowned. ”You are working for a change. The system we have followed so far doesn't satisfy you.”

”But you cannot imagine, sir, that there's any danger to the settlement in our growing better crops.”

”Of course not. It's the taint of commercialism I object to. However, let me look at those estimates again.”

They had now nearly reached the top of the hill on the opposite side and Mowbray, sitting down on a birch log, opened the papers. The others looked at one another dubiously as they heard a beat of hoofs and a rattle of wheels.

”I notice no allowance for unexpected difficulties, which are bound to crop up,” Mowbray presently remarked. ”The work will, as usually happens, prove harder than it looks. I do not see how you can finish it before the frost comes.”

”We expect to get it done, sir,” Kenwyne replied. ”In fact, we ventured to ask Mr. Harding, who has helped us to work the scheme out, to meet you here. He will be able to give you any information.”

”Ah!”

Looking up, Mowbray saw Harding coming down the trail, and the loaded wagon and the fine Clydesdale horses standing among the trees. The sight angered him. Harding had not been ruined by his rash experiment, as Mowbray had honestly believed would happen. On the contrary, he had prospered, and Mowbray suspected him of a wish to flaunt his success in the faces of his less fortunate neighbors. It was in a very uncompromising mood that he waited for him to speak.

”If I can get the help I want from Allenwood, I'll engage to cut this trail on the terms of the estimates,” Harding said. ”If extra labor is required, I'll provide it. You can see the advantages, Colonel Mowbray: three miles saved on the journey to the elevators, besides doing away with the need for using an extra team on the grade. You'll save a dollar or two a load; on a big crop the difference will be striking. The trail will pay for itself in one season.”

”I notice that you confine yourself to the monetary point of view,” said Mowbray.

”I think not. There are other advantages, but I won't speak of them now; I'd be glad to explain anything about the work.”

Mowbray's face hardened. The intruding fellow had insolently declined to talk over any but the material benefits to be expected. It looked as if he attached no importance to his opinions; and in one respect Mowbray was not mistaken. Harding had ideas of progress, mutual help, and good fellows.h.i.+p with which he did not expect the Colonel to sympathize.

”I do not propose to ask any questions,” Mowbray said, getting up and giving Kenwyne the plans. ”I needn't keep you; this work will not be undertaken with my sanction.”

”But it can't be undertaken without it!” Broadwood protested.

”I agree with you. On such matters as a general levy I have power of veto, and I must warn you that it will be used.”

Harding turned away, somewhat red in face, and went back up the trail.

He recovered his good humor, however, when he started his horses and walked beside them across the withered gra.s.s. The prairie was bright with suns.h.i.+ne, and the wide outlook was cheering. Faint wavy lines of trees and glistening ponds checkered the great plain; there was not a house or trail of smoke on it. It was all raw material, ready for him and others to make good use of.

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