Andrew let him go. He had accomplished all that he had laid himself out to do: gained his relatives' confidence, reorganized the mining company, and got rid of Leonard, who had been a menace to the good name of Allinson's. It had been easier than he expected; the task he had shrunk from had become less formidable when boldly attacked, though he admitted that fortune had favored him. Henceforward he was his own master, the acknowledged head of Allinson's, and that brought with it a deep sense of responsibility. Nevertheless, he no longer felt daunted, for he had gained self-confidence. There were many things of which he was ignorant; but they could be learned. Then he remembered that he must go back to Canada for a while after he had arranged matters with Leonard and had thoroughly informed himself about Allinson's affairs. It was a month before he could get away, and Wannop drove to the station with him. When he shook hands as the train came in he smiled. "Bring her back with you. Then the credit of the Allinson family will be in safe hands." "I'll try," Andrew promised. "I wish I felt more sure of succeeding; but I wasn't thinking of the credit of the family." "That's the proper line to take," Wannop answered, smiling, as he stood with his hand on the carriage door. "Don't be timid. I'm inclined to think you have done more difficult things." He made room for Hilda and pulled her back as the train started, and they stood waving their hands until the last carriage vanished into a tunnel. "Andrew needs some encouraging," he remarked. "When there's anything to be gained for himself, he's too diffident; but perhaps it's a good fault, and by no means common." "Though he talked a good deal about the mine, we all know why he's going back," said Hilda. "I suppose you are satisfied about this Miss Frobisher?" "So far as my opinion goes, she's what you might call eminently suitable. If I had any doubt on the matter Andrew's firm conviction would decide me. Though it was a long time before the family realized it, his judgment is to be relied on." "Yes," agreed Hilda; "in some things, he is really very sensible." When Andrew reached the Lake of Shadows he found Carnally awaiting him with a satisfactory account of the progress of development work on the lode, and they spent some time talking over it in Andrew's room at the hotel. "Jake, are you willing to take the post of our general manager in Canada?" Andrew asked. "Under Hathersage, as boss director?" "No, under me. Hathersage has left the firm for good." "Then I'll be proud to take it," said Carnally quietly. "It's yours. You haven't asked about the stipend." "That's so," Carnally drawled. "I guess I can leave you to do the square thing." Then his eyes twinkled. "I've kept you here some time talking business, and it strikes me you're anxious to get away. You'll find a skiff ready, and I'd like to wish you good luck."