“But give me ten minutes of your time before you go, will you, dear?” she asked.  “Come, we can go into one of the parlours where we’ll be alone.”  And when they were seated there, she continued, “I know why you’re going to Santa Fe.  Charlie said he understood you were involved in some new legal trouble and that you might lose your whole project.  Mr. Gretzinger laughed at him and so did I, for we knew it couldn’t be true.  But it’s bothering you, I see; your face is anxious.  I hope you’ll clear up the horrid matter, whatever it is, while you’re gone.”  Then after a pause, she remarked, “Perhaps Mr. Gretzinger could be of assistance to you.”

“Not in this matter,” said Lee.

“He has a great deal of influence, especially in the East.”

“But this is the West—­and I don’t care much for Gretzinger, besides,” he stated.

“So he says.  More than once he has wished you would be more friendly.  Isn’t it a little inconsiderate of you, Lee, to hold him off at arm’s length, especially when he’s here as representative of the bondholders?  He has a vital interest in the canal and its success.  Really, I think he might be of great help if you’d permit.  And it would be of great advantage to us in the future, his friendship and that of the men behind him, for they are wealthy and influential.  That’s one reason why you ought to cultivate him, Lee.”

“Go on,” said he, as she paused.

“Well, I thought we should discuss the matter.  I’m of the opinion that you misunderstand him.  You’ll not deny that he’s a man of ability.”

“No—­though I know little of him.”

“He is, though, Lee.  And an engineer of high standing, too, and of experience.  Wouldn’t it be wise to consult him a little more than you do?  He has talked to me at times about the project and has, I believe, ideas you could use.  For instance, he says that if you made certain changes in the canal there would be a considerable saving of money, by which the stockholders would benefit, you among them.  He says that if in certain places wood were used instead of concrete it would mean thousands of dollars in your pocket.”

“It would, but it would also endanger the canal.”

“Mr. Gretzinger said you asserted that as your reason,” she proceeded, “but he claims there’s no more prospect of danger from that source than from a fly.  And anyway, isn’t it a matter that concerns only the buyers afterward?  He says so.  I don’t know much about such matters, of course, but you really must look after your own best interest first—­and mine.  I say mine because mine will be yours after we’re married.  Mr. Gretzinger says your share of the saving would be at least five thousand dollars and possibly more.  Lee, do this for me.”

“What he proposes is dishonest, Ruth.”

“But why?  He says the state board would grant the change if proper representations were made.  If the officials allowed it, I can’t see where it would be dishonest.”