Blaney nodded sourly. He was a man of bullying rather than of tactful propensities and he could not conceal his distaste for an interview with Jim Weeks at this particular moment. To tell the truth, he had begun to fear the results of the agreement with McNally which rested in his coat pocket. Weeks was a hard man to fight, and wasted no words on disloyalty. However, Blaney knew that dissimulation would profit him nothing, for to keep the changed vote a secret would be impossible; so he squared himself for a row. Jim tied his horses to a sapling and sat beside him, remarking,-- “I want to have a talk with you.” “Haven't got much time,” replied Blaney, making a show of looking at his watch. Jim smiled meaningly. “You've got all the time I need. I want to know what you're up to with our stock.” Blaney gazed at the laborers. “Here!” he called to a lazy Irishman, “get back there where you belong!” “Come now, Blaney, talk business.” “What do you want to know about that stock?” “How are you going to vote it?” “I guess I can vote it.” “Are you going to stick to me?” “I don't know whether I am or not. I'll do what the Council directs.” Jim gave him a contemptuous glance. “Don't be a fool, Blaney.” “See here,” said Blaney, rising; “what are _you_ trying to do?” Jim rose too. “You've answered my question,” he replied. “You think you can throw me out.” “I ain't throwing anybody out,” muttered Blaney. He walked away and stood looking at the trench in the street which the men had sunk shoulder deep. Jim followed. “I'm not through yet, Blaney.” “I haven't got time to talk with you,” blustered the contractor. Jim stood a moment looking him over. Blaney's eyes were fixed on the Irishman. “How much did he give you?” asked Jim, quietly. Blaney whirled around. “Look out,” he said. “I don't know what you're talking about, but a man can't say that to me.” His fists were clenched. Jim spoke without emotion. “Drop it,” he said. “I'm not here for my health. I knew all that some hours ago. If I couldn't work it any better than you've done, I'd quit. Now what I want you to do, Blaney--” “See here, you've said enough!” Blaney was excited. “You can't come around here and bulldoze me. We've bought that stock and we'll vote it as we like, damn it; and you can go to hell!” Jim looked at him thoughtfully; then he went to his buggy and drove back to the hotel. He saw that Blaney was frightened, but he evidently was too thoroughly bought up to be easily shaken. With what some men called his “gameness” Jim dropped Blaney from his mind for the moment, and began to plan for a desperate counter move. Before he reached the hotel the move was decided upon, and Jim was placid. The next man to see was Bridge. Jim paused at the hotel long enough to send a message to the station agent to have a special ready in fifteen minutes; then he went to the office of his lieutenant.