STRANGE'S STORY After Allott's departure Thirlwell went to Montreal and spent two depressing days transacting some business for his employers.

Quebec was quiet and picturesque, and a cool, refreshing breeze blew up the river from the Laurentian wilds, but Montreal, shut in by the wooded mountain, sweltered in humid heat.

Then the streets were being torn up to lay electric mains, and sand and cement blew about from half-finished concrete buildings.

Thirlwell did not like large cities, and after the silence of the bush, the bustle of the traffic jarred.
He had, however, better grounds for feeling depressed.

His employers trusted him, and actuated by loyalty as well as professional pride, he had resolved to make their rather daring venture a success.