"Do I understand, Mr. Lockhart," he enquired pointedly, "that you wish to go on record as voting 'No'?" "Yes, put me down 'No!'" directed L. W. feverishly. "I don't approve of this at all. Rimrock needs the money--he wrote me particularly--I wouldn't put him out for the world." He straightened the stoop from his long, bent back and his eyes opened up appealingly. "Put me down for a 'No,'" he repeated wildly. "My God, he'll kill me for this. I wouldn't cross that boy for anything in the world--he's the best friend a man ever had. But put me down 'No'--you will, won't you, Miss? I don't want Rimrock to know." "Mr. Lockhart votes 'No,'" broke in Stoddard peremptorily, "the 'Ayes' have it and the motion is carried. Is there any other business?" His cold, incisive words seemed almost to stab, but L. W. still swayed on his feet. "I'd like to explain," he went on brokenly. "I never go back on a friend. But Rimrock, he's wasting his money back there--I thought it would be a kindness." "Yes, yes, Mr. Lockhart," interrupted Stoddard impatiently, "we all know the goodness of your heart. Do I hear a motion to adjourn?" He shifted his keen, commanding eyes to Mary, who nodded her head in return. She was watching L. W. as he stood there sweating, with the anguish of that Judas-like thought. He had betrayed his friend, he had sold him for gold; and, already, he was sorry. "Second the motion," said Stoddard. "All in favor say 'Ay!' The meeting stands adjourned." He rose up quickly and gathering up his papers, abruptly left the room. Jepson followed as quickly and L. W., still talking, found himself alone with the girl. She was gazing at him strangely and as he paused enquiringly she went over and held out her hand. "I understand, Mr. Lockhart," she said, smiling comfortingly. "I understand just how you feel. It _was_ a kindness--I felt so myself--and that's why I voted as I did." The staring eyes of L. W. suddenly focused and then he seized her hand. "God bless you," he cried, crushing her fingers in his grip. "You'll make it right on the books? God bless you, then; I wouldn't sell out that boy for all the money in the world." He broke off suddenly and dashed from the room while Mary gazed pensively after him. She too, in a way, had betrayed her friend; but she had not done it for gold.