"I cannot do it, sir! That will be asking our men to give up all they have been struggling for. I don't know what the law is--or what the law will say. Please listen to me! Keep the men from fighting--this season! Then allow the law to put matters right up here. The Flagg logs have gone down the river every year before this one. The good Lord has furnished the water for all. Mr. Craig, out of the depths of my heart I entreat you." She had tried hard to keep womanly weakness away. She wanted to conduct the affair on the plane of business good sense; but anxiety was overwhelming her; she broke down and sobbed frankly. What appeared to be recourse to woman's usual weapons served to make him more furious. "The matter is before the courts. There's a principle involved. This dam stays as it is. That's final!" "I'm pleading for a helpless old man who cannot come here to talk for his own rights." "Look here, my girl, you're merely a smart trickster from the city--a turncoat who can't give one good excuse for being a traitor to your employers." "I can give an excuse!" "I've had enough of this," he retorted, brutally, pricked by the reflection that his corporation would disown him and his methods if he failed to make good. "Can't you see that you're driving me insane with your girl's folly? You're lucky because I haven't brought officers up here and ordered your arrest for conspiracy. You belong in jail along with that fool of a Latisan." His rage broke down all reserve. "Do you see what he did to me in New York?" He pointed to his bandaged face. "I'll admit that he did have some sort of an excuse. You have none." "I have this," she said. "Mr. Craig! I am Echford Flagg's granddaughter." The shell of his skepticism was too thick! "Do you think I am a complete fool? Flagg has no kin whatever!" "How long have you been acquainted in these parts?" "Three years," he admitted; but he scowled his sentiment of utter disbelief in her claim. "I am what I say I am," she insisted. "Does that make any difference in your stand here to-day?" "Not a bit!" They surveyed each other for some time, the mists swirling slowly about their heads. "If I shed any more tears and do any more pleading, sir, you'll have good reasons for believing that I have no blood of the Flaggs in me! Do you still think I'm not what I say I am?" He sliced the fog contemptuously with the edge of his palm. "You can't talk that stuff to me!" She understood the futility of appeal; he turned from her and she looked for a moment on the bulging scruff of his obstinate neck. "Very well, Mr. Craig! If talk can't convince you, I'll try another way!" She ran along the string piece and the curtain of the fog closed in behind her. During her absence from the deadwater there had been a rallying of forces.