The trouble began when he stopped at Winnipeg.
"I think I'll go up the street," he said.
A rough plank sidewalk ran in front of the houses, and Lister imagined it was needed when the spring thaw and summer thunder-storms softened the gumbo soil.

Opposite the Occidental he stopped, for Duveen occupied a chair on the veranda.

While Lister hesitated Duveen beckoned him to come up.
"It's hot and dusty.

Will you take a drink ?" he said.
Lister refused with thanks and wondered whether Ruth was at the hotel.
In a way, he would like to see her, but admitted that perhaps he had better not.

When he asked if she was well Duveen said she had gone to Quebec, and gave Lister a cigar.
"It looks as if you had left the railroad," he remarked.
"I have not left yet," said Lister cautiously.
"Then, you won't go unless you get a better job?
Did you know I had joined the Irrigation Board ?" Lister said he did not know, and got embarrassed when Duveen gave him a thoughtful glance.