I wouldn't like that to happen, because I am one of them, you see." "No," said Miss Deringham.

"Still, surmising that you are the somebody, I wonder if you have a more convincing reason." A little flush seemed to creep into Alton's bronzed face.

"I find I can talk to you as I never did to any one else," he said.

"Well, this valley's waiting to feed a host of people, and teeming with riches that somebody is wanting, and I feel it's my task to do the best I can for it.

Now, when one feels that, and does nothing, he's putting a load he was meant to carry on other people's shoulders." "Yes," said Miss Deringham.