He had undertaken a good deal of difficult railroad work in western Canada and never yet had been beaten.

What was more to the purpose, he had no intention of being beaten now, or even delayed, by a swamp that had no bottom.

He had grappled with hard rock and sliding snow, had overcome professional rivals, and had made his influence felt by politicians; and, though he had left middle-age behind, he still retained his full vigor of body and freedom of speech.

When he had explained what he thought of Cassidy he turned again to his secretary.
"Arrange for a private car," he said.

"I'll go along to-morrow and make them jump." The secretary, who fancied there would be trouble in the construction camp during the next few days, felt inclined to be sorry for Cassidy as he went out to make the necessary arrangements for his employer's journey west.
Stirling had spent a busy morning when he met his daughter Ida and her friends at lunch.