He passed briefly over what might have been expanded into grave experiences, and at last came, so to speak, to the gates of the city, unharmed, resolute and full of the fire that knows no quenching.
"By the way," observed the Captain, still wary, "has it occurred to you we may be justified in suspecting that you deserted your post up there in the hills, and that you have betrayed the confidence of your employers ?" Percival had completed what he evidently believed to be a full and satisfactory account of himself.
"I was in full charge up there, Captain Trigger.

My contract had but a month more to run.

I appointed my own successor, and the company will not be any the worse off for the change.

My letter to headquarters, announcing my decision not to renew the contract, went forward two weeks before I left the camp.

I merely anticipated the actual termination of my contract by a month or so, and as I handed my resignation at once to my own newly appointed superintendent, I submit that I acted in absolute good faith.