The specifications called for freight on board at the spurs at Tabernacle, evidently soon to have competition in the way of railroad lines.

And Tabernacle meant just one thing, the output of a mill which could afford to put that lumber at the given point cheaper then any other.

The nearest other camp was either a hundred miles away, on the western side, or so far removed over the range in the matter of altitude that the freight rates would be prohibitive to a cheaper bid.

Thayer, with his ill-gotten flume, with his lake, with his right to denude Barry Houston's forests at an insignificant cost, could out-bid the others.

He would land the contract, unless-- "Jenkins!" Houston's voice was sharp, insistent.