Still he knew the trees, and had sketched an outline into which to paint experience.

He said nothing of this to the man before him, because of that strange streak in his nature which prompted him to conceal what he felt most strongly; to leave to others the task of guessing out his attitude; to stand on appearances without attempting to justify them, no matter how simple the justification might be.

A moment's frank, straightforward talk might have caught Daly's attention, for the lumberman was, after all, a shrewd reader of character where his prejudices were not concerned.

Then events would have turned out very differently.
After his speech the business man had whirled back to his desk.
"Have you anything for me to do in the woods, then ?" the other asked quietly.
"No," said Daly over his shoulder.
Thorpe went out.
Before leaving Detroit he had, on the advice of friends, visited the city office of Morrison & Daly.

There he had been told positively that the firm were hiring men.