He had now a double motive: he would win Alice Yorke, and he would show Mr.Wickersham who he was.

A visit from Squire Rawson not long after he returned gave him new hope.

The old man chuckled as he told him that he had had an indirect offer from Wickersham for his land, much larger than he had expected.

It had only confirmed him in his determination to hold on.
"If it's worth that to him," he said, "it's worth that to me.

We'll hold on awhile, and let him open a track for us.