Part 14 (1/2)

”A pretty good plan,” Martin agreed ”There'll be a de Well, I see you have a blanket You'll find a bed in the tent”

”I picked a spot to caot up

Martin laughed ”Since you reckoned Cartner and I were on your track, you felt you'd sooner not stop with ht to count If we could have bought you off or scared you off, we ht have done so, but since you are resolved to put the contract through, we'll be satisfied with seeing you don't get another If you stop, you'll get a better breakfast than you can cook”

Jim's hesitation vanished and he went into the tent

Nextthe latter reetting after you Go ahead and finish the job”

”Thanks,” said Jio broke, we mean to finish”

”Very well,” said Martin, ”if you have to choose between quitting and selling your copper claio” He paused and gave Jiuess it's sound”

Jim strapped on his pack and started down the valley He reached the telegraph ca told Jake and Carrie about his interview

”Perhaps it's strange, but I really don't think we're up against Cartner and Martin,” he concluded

”We're up against somebody who hasn't reed ”I suggested that Daviesa lone hand Martin admitted that it was possible, but didn't look satisfied In fact, I i hard Of course, the obvious line was to doubt his honesty, but somehow I didn't”

”The obvious line's not always best,” Carrie interposed ”My notion is, it's a foolish habit to take it for granted your antagonist is a cheat But what is he like, Jih he had a twinkle Weighs all he says, and you feel that if he's satisfied he doesn't mind if you are or not

We knoas up North for soet me”

Jake nodded, for the men who push far into the frozen wilds conforer leave their ives a quiet courage that makes for candor The man who has conquered fear is not te caues,” he said

”Martin is certainly not a sht it curious he told o, if we couldn't stick to both He adave htfully, ”if he ain his object that way, it was a fool plan, but we know Martin's clever To jump at a shallow suspicion is a bla If he didn't mean well, I can't see what he did o,” Carrie interposed ”I like that ht, I think he could be trusted However, you look as if you had been a to do with your clothes?”

”If you insist, I ht,” said Carrie ”Bring them to the tent instead If you don't, I'll co the clothes and lighted his pipe, feeling somewhat moved He kne ave their cos went so; but this was not all She was not satisfied with controlling the ca to see that now and then she controlled their talk and helped their decisions She was a girl and had, for the most part, lived at a shabby store, but he adment was often sound Carrie had qualities

Then he started, for she looked at hi about, Jiot on if we hadn't brought you,” he replied

Carrie laughed ”I know Yet you wanted to leave me!”