It was well that the work which Helen was doing when Elijah left the office was mechanical, else it might have lacked the finish which made her in demand above all others. She could not keep her thoughts from this man and his work. With a frown, she glanced at her watch. Returning it to her belt, she drew her finished work from her machine and began to put the office in order. She stood absently before a mirror as she pinned her hat in place, turning with perfunctory pats here and there, touching a stray lock into order and smoothing down her gown. She passed out into the street, locking the door behind her, and turned to Winston's office. Her light footsteps as she entered, did not arouse his attention. For a moment she stood, looking at him as he bent over his work. "You are cordial, I must confess." Ralph looked up. "Ah! What's the matter?" he concluded, noting her sober face. "What is the matter?" "Why, you're as solemn as an owl." "Do you object to my sitting down for a moment?" "Not for two moments. I'm glad to see you." Winston rose hastily and swung a chair into position. "That's better," she approved. "Good! Now if you'll get better, I shall know where I'm at." "I've come here to find out where _I'm_ at." "If you are lost, it's the first time, I'm thinking, and I'm not so sure that I can set you straight." "I'll take my chances. Who is Elijah Berl?" Winston laughed. "Oh, he's gotten hold of you, has he?" "No, he hasn't; but I want to get hold of him to the extent of five thousand dollars. That is the limit of my cash money." Winston smiled tolerantly. "Elijah has certainly missed his calling. If he can work you up five thousand dollars' worth in an hour or so, I'll play him the limit against Wall street." "No you won't. You don't know Elijah Berl." "Then what are you asking me about him for?" "Oh! that was just a starter. I had to begin somewhere." "Isn't five thousand dollars a pretty heavy starter for you, Helen?" Winston asked the question soberly, for he saw that Helen was in earnest. "No. I've kept out of Ysleta because it wasn't worth while. I want to get into Las Cruces because it is." "It may be, Helen. It is full of promise, but it may not mature. I know the proposition pretty thoroughly and I know Elijah Berl. The elements of this may not be so solid as they appear." "The watershed is all right, isn't it?" "Without a question." "The water can be brought from the reservoir to the lands?" "No question about that, either." "And the land is fertile and suited to oranges?" "That's true too, but it needs money." "You'll get that all right." "I expect to, without doubt." Helen had spoken with growing animation. "Then the whole doubt in your mind centres in Elijah Berl?" "You've hit it exactly." "And yet you are a friend of Elijah's?" There was a touch of contempt in her voice. "Yes."