We're going to run our railroad up into your town--I don't mind saying that right here--and we're going to give you plenty of law business, Mr.Anderson; that is to say, if you want it, and will take it." "Thank you," said Dan Anderson, quietly.

But now in spite of himself he felt his heart leap suddenly in hope.

Suppose, after all, there should be for him, stranded in this out-of-the-way corner of the world, a chance for some sort of business success?
Suppose that there should be, after all, some work for him to do?
Suppose that, after all, he should succeed--that, after all, life might yet unfold before him as he had dreamed and planned! Unconsciously he stole a glance at the gray-clad figure on the blanket roll.
Constance sat cool, sweet, delicate but vital, refreshing to look upon, her gray skirt folded across her knees, the patent-leather tips of her little shoes buried in the carpet spread by the forest conifers.

He could just catch the curve of her cheek and chin, the droop of the long lashes which he knew so well.

Ah, if he could only go to her and tell her the absolute truth--if only it could be right for him, all his life, to tell her the truth, to tell her of his reverence, his loyalty, his love, through all these years! If, indeed, this opportunity should come to him, might not all of this one day be possible?
He set his mind to his work, even as the girl held her heart to its waiting.
There came the sound of a distant whistle approaching up the trail, and ere long Tom Osby appeared, stumbling along in his pigeon-toed way, his rifle in the crook of his arm.