"Well, it might have been worse for young Latisan if they hadn't got rid of him by this underhand way. Now that he has quit and has gone larruping off on his own hook, you may as well get what comfort out of it you can," he said, trying to ameliorate her distress. "There's no telling what they might have been savage enough to do to him if he had stayed to make the fight as he intended to make it." "Do you give up the fight?" With the left hand he lifted his helpless right arm across his knees. "It's a two-fisted proposition this year. I guess I'm licked. They'll buy in my logs at what price they have a mind to pay and will turn 'em into paper. The sawmills will have to shut down, and the chap who wants to build a home will keep on cussing the price of lumber. I have made a good try of it, sis, but the big combinations are bound to have their way in the end." "It isn't right for anybody to have his own way without giving the other man a square deal," she cried, adding, with bitterness, "though I'm the last person entitled to preach on that subject." "It's all in the way of progress, so the syndicate fellows tell us," he remarked, dryly. "Maybe they know. Whilst they're grabbing in all the money, they may be getting control of all the brains, too." She flung up her arms and accused herself, passionately: "I have been a fool. I'd give my very heart to make matters right again!" "I think so," he admitted. "I reckon you're in earnest." Again his fixed, appraising stare was disturbing her. "About Mr. Latisan----" she hurried on. "I can't believe that he'll stay away long." "I guess you know as little about the ways of men up here as you know about the drives, my girl. There's plenty of iron in their natures, but there isn't much brass in their cheeks. He's done--he can't face the Big Laugh. He's seen what it has done to others. But you city folks don't understand woods ways and notions!" She set her firm teeth over her lower lip to control its quivering. Then she ventured. It was a resolve born out of her desperate desire to redeem, if she were able. There was one thing she could do--it seemed a natural thing to do, in that extremity. "I have something to ask of you. Please don't be angry! I'm trying to square myself!" "Go ahead! I'm ready now to be pretty easy natured when somebody is really in earnest about helping me." "Give me your permission to go north and explain to your men why Mr. Latisan isn't on the drive! I'll tell them everything. I'll open my soul to those men. They'll understand." "It's not a girl's job," he declared, sternly. "I have been trained in a hard school, sir. I have been forced to study men and to deal with men. I have been sorry because I have been obliged to do the things I have done. But my knowledge of men may help your affairs. I am glad I have been through my trials. Let me go north to your crews! I beg it of you!"